FC Augsburg played a friendly match on Thursday afternoon during the international break against FC St. Gallen 1879, who are in the Swiss first division. It was a match with lots of goals and Augsburg came out on top at the end 4-2.

Ten FCA first team players in total are away on international duty at the moment and were not available to Enrico Maaßen and his coaching staff. Apart from the national players, Elvis Rexhbecaj, Maximilian Bauer and Julian Baumgartlinger were also absent due to injury, and Niklas Dorsch returned to the pitch. The 25-year-old midfielder missed the last Bundesliga game against FC Schalke 04 (1-1) due to illness.

There was a shock for the Augsburg players after just 30 seconds, when Emmanuel Latte Lath was through one-on-one against Tomas Koubek, but he failed to beat the Czech goalkeeper. A little later, FCA had their first chance, when a cross from Aaron Zehnter surprisingly hit the St. Gallen crossbar. The first goal of the game, however, was scored by the visitors from Switzerland. Christian Witzig converted a cross from the right-hand side into the left corner to make it 1-0 (8’). In the 24th minute, FCSG extended their lead, after Randy Schneider was able to dribble on the edge of the penalty area and finish into the top right corner.

There was controversy shortly after when Noah Sarenren Bazee fell in the penalty area after contact with an opponent, but the referee’s whistle remained silent. FCA took control of the game in the following period, with the Swiss Super League side waiting for a counter attack. In the 32nd minute, Augsburg were lucky when Leon Dajaku faltered in front of goal after a good move. The Fuggerstädter then reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 37th minute through Irvin Cardona. Maßen’s side kept the pressure on and had several chances to equalise through Kelvin Yeboah (39’/44’) and Nathanaël Mbuku (41’). Just before the break, Sarenren Bazee headed in a corner to equalise (45’).

Two goals added in the second half

The second half started with two breaks due to injuries, and among others Kelvin Yeboah had to leave the pitch (54’). FCA nevertheless continued to dominate the game and add two goals. First, Zehnter scored a volley to make it 3-2 (63’), and just one minute later, substitute Franjo Ivanovic kept his cool in front of goal and slid the ball into the net to make it 4-2 (64’). In the following period, Augsburg had several chances to extend their lead. Mbuku’s shot hit the inside of the post and came back onto the pitch (72’). In the 81st minute, Ivanovic could only hit the bar in front of an empty net. In the end, a 4-2 win was deserved.

FCA continue their Bundesliga campaign away from home on Saturday 1st April (15:30 CEST) against VfL Wolfsburg.

FCA: Koubek – Gouweleeuw (46’ Oxford), Maier (46’ Pedersen), Sarenren Bazee (67’ Dell’Erba), Caligiuri, Iago, Dorsch, Mbuku, Zehnter, Yeboah (56’ Ivanovic), Cardona.

Goals: 0-1 Witzig (8’), 0-2 Schneider (24’), 1-2 Cardona (37’), 2-2 Sanrenren Bazee (45’), 3-2 Zehnter (64’), 4-2 Ivanovic (65’).

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