Bundesliga
Alexis Claude-Maurice scored twice as Augsburg ended their away day blues with a clinical 2-0 win over struggling Union Berlin, who extend their winless run to 10 matches.
Union Berlin 0-2 Augsburg
Goals: 0-1 Claude-Maurice 8', 0-2 Claude-Maurice 30' (assist: Gouweleeuw)
The clash between Union Berlin and FC Augsburg at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei was a crucial one for both sides. Union were desperate to end their nine-game winless streak, whilst Augsburg aimed to improve their poor away form, having not won on the road since March 2024.
The match began with both teams showing intent, but it was Augsburg who struck first. In the 9th minute, Alexis Claude-Maurice found himself with space in the box after a clever pass from Frank Onyeka. The Frenchman made no mistake, rifling a powerful shot under the crossbar to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Stunned by the early setback, Union Berlin intensified their efforts. Lucas Tousart came close with a curling effort from the edge of the box, forcing a save from Finn Dahmen. The hosts continued to press, with Benedict Hollerbach causing problems for the Augsburg defence with his pace and trickery.
Despite Union's pressure, it was Augsburg who struck again on the half-hour mark. A well-worked move saw Jeffrey Gouweleeuw advance into the box, before squaring the ball to Claude-Maurice. The in-form forward made no mistake, slotting home his second of the match to give Augsburg a commanding 2-0 lead.
Union made changes at half-time, bringing on Diogo Leite and László Bénes in an attempt to spark a comeback. The substitutions nearly paid off immediately, as Jordan rattled the crossbar just two minutes after the restart. Union continued to push forward, with Hollerbach particularly lively on the left flank, but Augsburg's defence held firm.
As the second half wore on, Augsburg demonstrated their defensive prowess. Led by the commanding Gouweleeuw, they repelled wave after wave of Union attacks. The home side's frustration grew, evidenced by Jordan's yellow card on the hour mark. Despite introducing fresh legs in Tim Skarke and Andrej Ilić, Union struggled to create clear-cut chances against Augsburg's well-organised backline.
In the closing stages, Union threw everything at Augsburg. Ilić came close with a header from a Christopher Trimmel free-kick, but his effort sailed wide. In injury time, Mert Kömür forced a save from Alexander Schwolow, highlighting the visitors' threat on the break. Despite their efforts, Union couldn't find a way through, and Augsburg held on for a crucial away victory.
Alexis Claude-Maurice was undoubtedly the star of the show, with his clinical brace proving the difference between the two sides. The French forward displayed excellent positioning and finishing for both goals, punishing Union's defensive lapses. Beyond his goals, Claude-Maurice's movement and link-up play caused problems for the home defence throughout the match, making him a constant threat. His performance crucial in securing Augsburg's victory and ending their away day blues.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 1.08 - FC Augsburg 1.02
Fastest player: Chrislain Matsima (FCA), 33.64 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Alexis Claude-Maurice (FCA), 12 percent
Most pressed player: Alexis Claude-Maurice (FCA), 24 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Christopher Trimmel (FCU), +4.7
Fantasy Heroes: Alexis Claude-Maurice (Augsburg, 402 Points), Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (Augsburg, 280 Points), Chrislain Matsima (Augsburg, 221 Points)