Gundelfingen vs Augsburg II

Augsburg II took the lead in the 18th minute through a well-worked move down the right flank. Simon Mühlbauer overlapped and delivered a cross into the box, where Thomas Kastanaras was on hand to divert the ball home from close range.

Gundelfingen's response was swift. Just seven minutes later, in the 25th minute, new signing Luca Kerber — who spent his youth career in the FC Augsburg academy before joining Gundelfingen this summer from Türkspor Augsburg — found the net to level the scores. The equaliser came at a crucial moment, settling any early nerves and demonstrating the tactical discipline coach Thomas Rudolph had demanded.

Neither side could find a winner in the second half. Gundelfingen created several promising attacks but lacked the final touch, while Augsburg II — who swapped all ten outfield players at half-time — struggled to break down a compact home defence.

Kerber's 25th-minute equaliser, scored against a club where he spent his formative years, shifted the momentum decisively. Before the goal, Augsburg II had been the sharper side after their early breakthrough. The response from Gundelfingen — conceding and equalising within a seven-minute window — demonstrated a resilience that coach Rudolph highlighted as the most encouraging sign of the evening.

• Luca Kerber (Gundelfingen): The new arrival from Türkspor Augsburg scored his first goal for the club against familiar opposition. His quick reactions and composure in the 25th minute earned Gundelfingen a deserved share of the spoils.

• Thomas Kastanaras (Augsburg II): The Augsburg II forward took his 18th-minute chance well, showing good instinct to finish from Mühlbauer's cross. He was withdrawn at half-time along with the entire Augsburg outfield.

• Gundelfingen defence (collective): Coach Rudolph praised his side's tactical discipline, noting that Augsburg II "rarely got into dangerous areas" after the opening goal. Centre-backs Anzenhofer and Sailer, along with the full complement of substitutes who maintained the structure, deserve credit for limiting a Regionalliga attack to minimal chances.

• Simon Mühlbauer (Augsburg II): His overlapping run and cross created the opening goal. Like all his outfield teammates, he was substituted at half-time as part of Augsburg II's planned rotation.

Player of the match: Luca Kerber (Gundelfingen)

The 1-1 scoreline, mirrored at half-time, reflects a game of few clear-cut chances. Augsburg II's goal arrived from one of their few dangerous attacks before the break, while Gundelfingen's equaliser demonstrated efficiency in front of goal. The statistics page shows no cards, indicating a disciplined contest with minimal fouls — typical of a pre-season friendly where both sides prioritised fitness and tactical shape over aggression. Augsburg II's mass half-time substitution (all ten outfield players replaced) naturally disrupted their rhythm in the second period, while Gundelfingen made more gradual changes, helping them maintain structural stability throughout.

For Gundelfingen, the draw against a side two divisions higher represents their best pre-season result so far, following a 0-0 draw with Memmingen on 27 June. Coach Thomas Rudolph will be encouraged by the tactical discipline and defensive organisation his Bayernliga side showed. Augsburg II continue their pre-season preparations with a second consecutive 1-1 draw after a similar result against Kottern on 1 July. The Regionalliga Bayern side face further tests before the 2026/27 season begins.

A productive pre-season workout for both sides. Gundelfingen proved they can compete with higher-level opposition through organisation and work-rate, while Augsburg II's mass rotation gave valuable minutes to their entire squad. Kerber's goal against his former club will be the lasting image of an evenly contested friendly that served its purpose for both teams.