FC Augsburg edge Sassuolo 3-2 in entertaining international club friendly

FC Augsburg rounded off their pre-season preparations in style with a 3-2 victory over Sassuolo in an international club friendly on 8 August 2026. The match delivered plenty of entertainment for the neutrals, with five goals, attacking flair, and a late winner that sealed the Bundesliga side's victory.

Match overview

Both sides used the friendly to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new campaign, and the open nature of the game reflected that. Augsburg started brightly and looked sharp in possession, while Sassuolo showed their usual technical quality on the ball. The end-to-end contest provided valuable match fitness and allowed coaches to assess several key players.

Key moments

• Augsburg take the lead: The hosts opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing off a well-worked team move that split the Sassuolo defence.
• Sassuolo hit back: The Italian side equalised before the break with a composed strike from the edge of the area after a swift counter-attack.
• Second-half drama: Sassuolo briefly turned the game on its head with a second goal early in the second period, their forward pressing causing problems for the Augsburg backline.
• Augsburg respond: The Bundesliga outfit levelled almost immediately, showing resilience as they pushed forward in search of a winner.
• Late winner: Augsburg completed the comeback in the closing stages, capitalising on a defensive lapse to secure the 3-2 win.

Tactical story

This was a genuinely competitive friendly with both teams treating the match as a serious test. Augsburg showed a strong pressing game and used width effectively, while Sassuolo looked comfortable in possession and tried to build from the back. The key difference was Augsburg's efficiency in the final third — they created fewer clear-cut chances overall but took them well.

Standout performers

Augsburg’s attacking players impressed with their movement and finishing, and the substitute who netted the winning goal will have made a strong impression on the coaching staff. For Sassuolo, their number ten was the standout performer, constantly involved in the build-up and responsible for creating several of his side's best moments.

What to expect next

For FC Augsburg, this victory provides a confidence boost ahead of the Bundesliga season. Sassuolo, meanwhile, will take plenty of positives from their performance but will need to tighten up defensively if they are to hit their targets. Friendlies like this are ultimately about preparation, and both managers would have left satisfied with the intensity and rhythm shown by their teams.