Austria’s runner-up took a 1-0 lead, but a goalkeeper error initiated the turnaround. The favorite won 2:1.
It almost seemed as if Sturm win the opening game in the group phase of the Europa League again this year. But Sporting Lissabon is not Midtjylland, the Styrians also led against the Portuguese, but lost 1:2.
The Sturm fans also put together some finest choreography against Sporting, but this time they didn’t have the patience of the finance department. Because they used harmless flags instead of pyrotechnics. The resulting interruption of play in the Salzburg match on Saturday will not put a hole in the club’s coffers, but they will still have to burn a few euros. Against Sporting they also postponed the game until before kick-off. A brilliant idea.
The kick-off was round 300 Portuguese fans traveled with us not at all, they had clouded themselves a bit. They probably saw around 100 meters from their guest stands how Kiteishvili found his first good chance after four minutes after a quick attack.
Sturm showed an enormous physical presence, which was also necessary. The total value of the Portuguese is almost five times as high as that of the Styrians (around 241 million euros to 51.6 million euros).
Starke Defensive
A quick one followed exchange of blows, in which both defensive lines allowed little. Offensively there was little that was surprising; a shot from Sturms Böving and a header from Paulinho did not fall into the “extremely dangerous” category. That was the only thing that was a little dangerous bumpy lawns in the Graz Liebenau stadium. After arriving, the members of Sporting also suspected that this was just him Training place be.
On the said field, the club, which has trained world stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and previously Luis Figo and was champion 19 times, only unleashed offensive fireworks immediately after the break.
Sharpen in Focus
Storm goalie Scherpen stood out from a header from Trincão. But Sturm freed himself quite quickly. And how quickly: In the 58th minute, Graz responded with the lead: Kiteishvili hit the bar with a strong shot, and William Böving used the rebound. Then Sporting struck back. The Dutchman Scherpen, who can sign autographs for second place with his 2.06 m standing on the field, was able to show his class again with great opportunities from Paulinho and Inacio. Scherpen deflected a shot from Goncalves forward, the ball landed at Affengruber in apparent safety, but the Swedish bomber Viktor Gyökeres, who had been out until then, tipped the ball into the goal to equalize.
Sturm’s concentration waned. Ivorian Ousmane Diomande scored from the edge of the penalty area in the 87th minute. Storm pushed – but without luck.
Well-informed anytime, anywhere
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2023-09-21 21:14:44
#Europa #League #Sporting #Lisbon #turns #game #Sturm #Graz
