Sascha Molders and Tobias Werner both scored in extra time as Augsburg avoided a shock defeat by fighting back to beat fourth division side Elversberg 3-1 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal this evening.
The visitors, who finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, dominated for much of the match, but they lacked a clinical edge throughout the evening against a spirited Elversberg side.
It quickly became clear that the home side would struggle to relieve the pressure on their goal from the opening minutes after Brazilian midfielder Caiuby headed a few inches wide of the post.
However, the best chance of the first half fell to Tim Matavz, who found space in the six-yard box but could only fire wide from Abdul Baba Rahman's cross.
Augsburg were left stunned seven minutes into the second half when Leandro's corner reached Kevin Maek, who climbed highest at the back post to head home what looked set to be the winner.
Matavz was guilty of wasting two more chances for the visitors when he twice dragged wide of the target after finding space late in patient passing moves as Augsburg piled on the pressure.
However, there was a late twist with Elversberg on the brink of victory as Raul Bobadilla collected a knock down from Paul Verhaegh before equalising with a powerful finish from a tight angle.
Elversberg were then dealt a further blow before the start of extra time when Markus Obernosterer was sent for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.
The contrasting fitness levels of the two sides were clear in the extra 30 minutes as Augsburg pulled away, with Molders picking out the bottom corner to put his side ahead in the first extra period.
Molders played a key role in wrapping up the win with 11 minutes remaining as he led the break before teeing up Werner, whose emphatic finish ended the brave Elversberg challenge.
Callum Mulvihill
