BERLIN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- FC Augsburg surrendered a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw with 1899 Hoffenheim, missing the chance to pull further clear of danger while handing another setback to a side still under pressure in the fight for the Champions League places on Friday.
The contest burst into life almost immediately at the WWK-Arena. Alexis Claude-Maurice punished hesitant defending in the 11th minute, driving in from 18 meters after a sharp solo run, and Michael Gregoritsch doubled the lead three minutes later with another low finish from distance after using his body well against Ozan Kabak.
Augsburg's aggressive pressing left Hoffenheim ragged for much of the first half, with Oliver Baumann unable to do anything about either strike in his 518th Bundesliga appearance. The visitor, who had looked error-prone and short of attacking rhythm, found a route back through a set piece.
Vladimir Coufal's corner in the 35th minute was met by Robin Hranac, who had drifted free in front of goal and headed in from close range. That goal changed the pattern. Hoffenheim grew calmer in possession and drew level before the break when Fisnik Asllani released Bazoumana Toure with a back-heel pass, and the forward beat Finn Dahmen from a tight angle with the help of the inside post in the 42nd minute.
Gregoritsch nearly restored Augsburg's lead before halftime, only to hit the woodwork, and the match remained open after the restart. The tempo stayed high, but clear chances became less frequent as challenges flew in and interruptions increased.
The decisive moment almost arrived late on. Bernardo fouled Anton Kade in the area, but Claude-Maurice sent the resulting penalty over the bar in the 85th minute. Augsburg were also denied shortly afterwards near the line.
The draw leaves Augsburg still short of relief at the lower end, while Hoffenheim's run of one win in seven matches continues, keeping the pressure on its Champions League push. Hoffenheim stays fifth on 51 points after 29 matches, two points behind Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in the Champions League race. Augsburg climbs to 10th on 33 points, but the point does little to ease concerns after missing the chance to open a wider gap below.
"At the start, it was not enough from us. We fell 2-0 behind far too quickly and was simply too passive. But we then showed great character and got back level before halftime," Hoffenheim captain Oliver Baumann said. ■
