Augsburg thrash Swabian XI 5-0 in opening pre-season clash as Baum praises display

FC Augsburg launched their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over a Swabian XI at Rosenaustadion. Manager Manuel Baum called the display „very successful“ after the match, which drew around 2,500 fans. The Bundesliga side currently sits ninth in the table with zero points after their opening 0-0 draw.

What happened in Augsburg’s opening test?

Augsburg dominated the match against the XI assembled by former FCA player and fan favorite Sascha Mölders. Thomas Kastanaras struck twice (18th and 36th minutes), while Rodrigo Ribeiro (73rd), Keven Schlotterbeck (80th) and Marius Wolf (89th) added further goals. Schlotterbeck had a chance to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot in stoppage time but was denied by the opposing keeper. The XI featured players from Landesliga to Regionalliga sides, selected by the Bavarian FA and local newspaper readers.

Baum stressed that the scoreline wasn’t the focus: „We always look at different key points we’ve worked on during the week.“ He made a full-team change at half-time as part of an internal challenge comparing first-half and second-half performance. The results of that challenge will now be analyzed.

Why this test matters for Augsburg

For the FCA, the pre-season is about testing systems, rotations and new partnerships. Baum used the game to evaluate squad depth and tactical ideas. The 5-0 win sends a strong message, even if the opponent wasn’t at Bundesliga level. The match at Rosenaustadion drew 2,500 supporters, reinforcing the club’s connection with its fanbase. The atmosphere was „very good“, Baum said, highlighting the role friendlies play in team cohesion.

What comes next? Four more tests before competitive action

After the opening win, Augsburg travel to Kaufbeuren next Saturday (2pm) to face 3. Liga side 1. FC Saarbrücken. The schedule continues with friendlies against AFC Bournemouth on July 30, SC Schwaz on August 5, US Sassuolo on August 8 and Leeds United on August 15. The competitive season kicks off on August 22 in the DFB-Pokal at Energie Cottbus, followed a week later by the Bundesliga opener at home to Schalke 04.

Baum’s approach blends routine with experimentation. „We had a small internal challenge comparing first-half and second-half performance“, he revealed. The results will shape the coming weeks of training as the club gears up for a new campaign in which they sit ninth with zero points after matchday one.