Ivan Perisic (c.) and his Wolves were held to a draw by Ja-Cheol Koo (r.) and a buoyant Augsburg side
Ivan Perisic (c.) and his Wolves were held to a draw by Ja-Cheol Koo (r.) and a buoyant Augsburg side

Augsburg make their point in Wolfsburg

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Wolfsburg - FC Augsburg extended their unbeaten start to the new year with a point at VfL Wolfsburg in a 1-1 draw at the Volkswagen Arena.

Naldo takes second chance

Naldo put the home side in front in the 23rd minute, but their lead lasted less than two minutes before Jan Moravek brought Augsburg level and ensured they remain unbeaten in 2013, fuelling hope that they can avoid relegation.

South Korean international Ja-Cheol Koo passed a late fitness test, allowing him to face his parent club. He did not get much chance to demonstrate the form that has helped the Bavarians' revival in 2013, though, as the hosts took the bull by the horns and attacked, with an imperious Naldo going close with a trademark free-kick.

The Brazilian put them in front in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from Diego's corner after the playmaker himself had been denied by an excellent save from Alexander Manninger.

Buoyant Augsburg


Augsburg's reply was not long in coming, with Moravek levelling after just two minutes. Koo was the provider, teeing up the midfielder in the middle to leave Diego Benaglio no chance from close range. The goal came against the run of play, but it sparked the visitors into life. Moravek tested Benaglio with a shot from just outside the penalty area before Daniel Baier was also denied by the Swiss custodian.

Augsburg, who appear to be a different team since the turn of the year, continued to belie their league position with a confident, courageous game. A succession of dangerous set-pieces from Baier had Wolfsburg fearing they would come away beaten, but in the end, Augsburg also seemed happy enough to settle for a point, their fifth in three games in the New Year.

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