Gregoritsch Breaks Goal Record – Throws Käsekrainer Party

Michael Gregoritsch has shot his way into Augsburg's Bundesliga history as the new top scorer.

"This is a day for eternity for me," the striker said after his brace in the 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen (to the match report >>>).

The 78-time Austrian international also revealed how he plans to celebrate the record: with a party for the players and officials of the surprise team, complete with culinary delights from his homeland.

"One of my closest friends is the Austrian national team chef, and you know how much I love Austrian food," the 32-year-old said. "That's why I think it's time to bring some good Käsekrainer to Augsburg."

The food is set to be served by Austrian national team head chef Fritz Grampelhuber in the coming days. Gregoritsch has already planned everything. "It's just one call now, and then I hope it works out this week," he said.

Before the Käsekrainer, there was the Nutmeg

The sausage, however, is merely the icing on the cake for record-man Gregoritsch. With his Bundesliga goals number 37 and 38 in an Augsburg jersey, he surpassed the previous FCA record holder Alfred Finnbogason.

The attacker raved that the record meant "an extreme amount" to him. "I was already very happy when I equaled the record, then even a bit more when I surpassed it. This is something for eternity for me."

First, after a through ball, he poked the ball through the legs of Bayer goalkeeper Mark Flekken (50th minute). "It was a nutmeg," Gregoritsch said with a grin. Then, after a corner kick, he was able to head the ball in from a standstill, completely unmarked (55th minute). After three rounds, he has three goals for the season.

Gregoritsch and FCA already share a long history together.

From July 2017 to January 2020, the 32-year-old first played for the Fuggerstädter. After a brief intermezzo at FC Schalke 04, "Gregerl" returned to Augsburg in July 2020 and completed two more seasons before moving to SC Freiburg.

In his third stint for the Bundesliga club from Bavaria, things are running smoothly once again: "The fact that I am now the club's all-time leading Bundesliga goal scorer naturally makes me extremely proud. I have experienced so much positive here, which is why this milestone is very special."

Coach Full of Praise

The fact that Augsburg dropped points for the first time after two wins to start the season, thereby losing their league lead, somewhat dampened the mood.

"Immediately after the final whistle, I high-fived the players and only saw disappointed faces. And that after a 2-2 draw against Leverkusen – I like such an attitude," said Augsburg coach Manuel Baum after the final whistle.

"Of course, it's tough to concede the equalizer at the end. But we threw ourselves into everything," Gregoritsch also lamented about the final result.

Ultimately, however, the personal best mark overshadowed everything. "It's something I never dreamed of. I never thought I would be so far ahead at a Bundesliga club," said Gregoritsch.

In total, he has now scored 68 times in the German top flight – surpassed among Austrian strikers only by Toni Polster (90 goals).

The most prolific Austrians in the German Bundesliga >>>

For coach Manuel Baum, Gregoritsch is an important anchor in the team. Through his experience in many years of professional football and with the national team – most recently, for example, at the World Cup in North America – "he also helps in the dressing room and not just on the pitch," praised the coach.

"We attribute two important roles to him: one on the pitch and one off it."