Manuel Neuer error gives Augsburg the fastest goal in Bundesliga history

Six seconds into FC Augsburg vs Bayern München, Manuel Neuer made the mistake that set up Robin Fellhauer's goal, and FC Augsburg had the fastest goal in Bundesliga history before the game had really begun. The move started from Bayern München's kickoff at the WWK Arena, and the opening press left Neuer with nowhere to hide.

Augsburg's instant start

Fellhauer scored after 6 seconds of play, which is the figure that matters here. Stats provider Opta said it was the fastest goal ever scored in the German top division since its formation in 1963.

NBC Sports' broadcast commentary described Fellhauer's hard-charging press of the opening kickoff as the action that led to one of the fastest goals in the sport, thanks to an error by one of the game's all-time legends. That is a brutal opening for Bayern and a dream start for Augsburg.

Bayern's response after the shock

Bayern still reached halftime trailing 1-0, even with 66% possession, 283 accurate passes at an 89% rate and 11 shots in the first half. They had three shots on target, while Augsburg managed seven attempts and one effort on target.

The early goal does not settle anything about the rest of the match, but it does explain the tone. Bayern's defensive numbers have been tight this season, with only 2 goals conceded in 4 Bundesliga matches, and Augsburg have already scored 11 in 4 league games. That combination made the first six seconds feel even more jarring.

Vincent Kompany will be left dealing with the same basic problem: Bayern were caught cold at kickoff, and Augsburg's record start gave them the kind of lead that changes how the rest of the afternoon is played.