FCA come from behind to beat Sassuolo 3-2

FC Augsburg faced another stern pre-season test on Family Day following return from their training camp in Achenkirch. Manuel Baum’s side came from behind to claim a 3-2 win over Serie A outfit US Sassuolo Calcio in an entertaining friendly.

The visitors from Emilia-Romagna made the brighter start in the summer heat. After just six minutes, Noahkai Banks was late with a sliding challenge, leading to referee Robert Hartmann pointing to the spot. Andrea Pinamonti made no mistake from the resulting penalty to give Sassuolo an early lead. It was particularly frustrating for Augsburg, as the foul had actually taken place outside the box.

Sassuolo remained the more threatening side initially and continued to create dangerous shooting opportunities. The effects of a demanding few days during the training camp were evident in the FCA players, but they gradually grew into the game, seeing more of the ball and increasingly taking control. Nevertheless, it was the Italians who struck again after half an hour. Finn Dahmen raced a long way out of his goal but was beaten to the ball, allowing Cristian Volpato to roll into the empty net for 2-0 in the 31st minute.

FCA refused to let their heads drop and responded soon afterwards. Robin Fellhauer headed Augsburg back into the contest in the 35th minute after an excellent cross from Marius Wolf. The goal gave the hosts fresh impetus and they deservedly drew level shortly before the break. Keven Schlotterbeck picked out Anton Kade with an inch-perfect long ball, and the latter showed great composure to lift his finish over the onrushing Arijanet Muric in the 43rd minute. The half-time whistle followed shortly afterwards.

Behrens pounces to make it 3-2

Baum’s side picked up where they had left off after the restart. Muric produced a fine save to deny Kade in the 50th minute, but Hennes Behrens reacted quickest to turn home the rebound and put FCA 3-2 ahead. Augsburg continued to pin Sassuolo back deep inside their own half for spells and created further good chances. Michael Gregoritsch saw an effort blocked in the 54th minute, before Kade was denied once again from a central position by another sharp stop from Muric.

Manuel Baum made a number of changes as the game went on in order to give as many players as possible valuable minutes, but they did little to disrupt Augsburg’s rhythm. Dahmen first made a strong save at one end before Uchenna Ogundu lost control of the ball in a promising position at the other. The pace dropped slightly during the closing stages in front of the 15,337 spectators, though the contest remained finely poised. FCA defended their advantage well and comfortably saw the game out, although Ogundu passed up the chance to put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute.

FCA therefore completed an impressive turnaround from two goals down to secure a deserved friendly victory over the Serie A side. Manuel Baum’s team now have one final test before the competitive season begins, with Augsburg travelling to England to face Leeds United next Saturday. Kick-off at Elland Road is at 15:00 CEST.

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