Draw Against Sturm

Match Recap

Daniel Beichler’s squad faced the league front-runners with an aggressive approach. Although Yorbe Vertessen broke our four-game scoring drought with an impressive goal, the match finished in a 1-1 stalemate. This result maintains our aspirations for the ongoing ADMIRAL Bundesliga championship group, set to continue after the international break.

Game Overview

“Attacking, never backing down” — This was the rallying cry from our traveling fans as they spurred the team on. Beichler’s side initiated the top-tier showdown with real offensive aggression. Newcomer Aleksa Terzic posed the first threat with a well-aimed header, and soon after, Edmund Baidoo found himself in a prime position, only to miss the target following a fast break orchestrated by Konate.

As the home team started to get into the rhythm of the game with Malic hitting a header towards goal, our breaking of the scoring drought finally occurred. Vertessen initiated a counterattack, regaining possession after several passes and, despite a challenging angle, delivered a powerful shot into the net for Salzburg at the 32-minute mark! Unfortunately, we could not maintain our lead until the break…

…as Gorenc Stankovic found himself unmarked after a throw-in. The home captain leveled things shortly before halftime (45+5′), following a spectacular save by Alex Schlager who had previously denied an equalizer just moments earlier.

Second Half Action

Despite an emotionally charged second half, the number of clear chances waned significantly after the interval. A curling shot from Mamageishvili here, a header from Vertessen there, and missed opportunities from Frans Krätzig—who shot wide after connecting with several teammates—and Karim Konate, who lost a promising counter, characterized the second half.

With the game reaching its end, administrative issues overshadowed footballing matters: Anrie Chase received his second yellow card (90+1′) after returning to the field post-treatment without referee Julian Weinberger’s approval. However, this late loss didn’t alter the final outcome, and we returned home with a draw.

Match Details

Teams:

• SK Sturm Graz: Bignetti – Hödl (70. Rozga), Malic, Mitchell (39. Aiwu), Vallci, Karic – Gorenc Stankovic (C), Fosso (87. Weinhandl), Kiteishvili – Mamageishvili (70. Malone), Jatta (87. Kayombo)
• FC Red Bull Salzburg: Schlager – Drexler, Chase, Schuster, Terzic – Bidstrup (C), Diabate, Krätzig (83. Yeo) – Baidoo (75. Redzic), Vertessen (75. Kitano), Konate (85. Onisiwo)

Referee: Julian Weinberger
Goals: Gorenc Stankovic (45.+5) – Vertessen (32.)
Yellow Cards: Mamageishvili (13/Foul), Kiteishvili (51/Foul), Fosso (74/Foul), assistant coach Witamwas (90.+4/Dissent); Vertessen (38/Dissent), Drexler (74/Unsporting behaviour), Chase (77/Foul), Diabate (86/Unsporting behaviour)
Second Yellow Card: Chase (90.+1/Unsporting behaviour)
Attendance: 14,817

Injury Updates

• Unavailable Players: Takumu Kawamura (knee), Stefan Lainer (thigh), John Mellberg (thigh), Justin Omoregie (shoulder).
• Suspension: Joane Gadou.