Gregoritsch's double pushes Augsburg into record‑breaking territory

Austrian striker Michael Gregoritsch became FC Augsburg’s all‑time leading Bundesliga scorer on Saturday, netting a second‑half brace in a 2‑2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen to overtake Icelandic forward Alfred Finnbogason. The goals took his tally to 38, moving him past Finnbogason’s 37 and cementing his place in the club’s record books.

A return that defied expectations

Gregory’s return to FC Augsburg always carried a sentimental appeal. After leaving SC Freiburg for Brøndby, the Austrian striker re‑joined the club on loan in January, reuniting with former manager Manuel Baum, under whom he had thrived during his first spell. He immediately spoke of his fond memories of working with Baum and of missing the Bundesliga.

Leadership and role in Augsburg’s resurgence

When Augsburg were battling to distance themselves from the relegation places, Gregoritsch arrived as an experienced Bundesliga striker expected to provide leadership, physicality and a reliable focal point. His role was never completely guaranteed, as the club also signed Portuguese forward Rodrigo Ribeiro, who soon earned opportunities of his own.

Even when not the undisputed first‑choice, Gregoritsch’s influence extended beyond goals. In April he corrected referee Deniz Aytekin during a relegation‑scrap match against Hamburg, insisting he had not been fouled and thereby averting a dangerous free‑kick, a moment that drew widespread praise for his leadership.

The brace against Bayer Leverkusen did more than move him ahead of Finnbogason. He entered the 2026/27 campaign on 35 Augsburg Bundesliga goals, two behind the Icelandic striker, then scored against Schalke in the season opener to reach 37 before adding two against Leverkusen to reach 38.

His contribution helped Augsburg secure another point after falling behind, preserving the best Bundesliga start in the club’s history. The result followed a remarkable 4‑1 comeback victory in Frankfurt the previous weekend, underscoring the rapid improvement under Baum.

After three matchdays the hierarchy tilted firmly toward the veteran, and Augsburg retained both Gregoritsch and Ribeiro permanently over the summer. The two offer markedly different centre‑forward profiles: Ribeiro provides mobility and developmental upside, while Gregoritsch remains the experienced target man capable of holding up play.

Gregory had promised teammates a celebration if he overtook Finnbogason, saying the menu would feature Käsekrainer. “It means quite a lot to me,” he said when asked about the new record.