Sturm Graz Defeats Austria Vienna 3-2 to Gain Cup Final Momentum

Sturm Graz goes into the cup final with a tailwind. The Styrians defeated Vienna Austria 3:2 (1:2) in the turbulent Bundesliga game on Wednesday and thus reduced the gap to leader Salzburg (1:1 at Rapid) to three points. Two goals from ex-Austrian Manprit Sarkaria (23′, 63′) and a goal by Otar Kiteishvili (62′) gave Sturm a successful dress rehearsal for the cup final against Rapid on Sunday.

In the lively back and forth, Austria put forward twice through double packer Haris Tabakovic (10th, 39th / penalty), but showed well-known defensive weaknesses. At halftime in the master group, the fifth-placed “Violets” are still without a win. City rivals Rapid are two points ahead within reach. The third LASK could already be ahead by eleven points at the end of the round.

In the lively back and forth, Austria put forward twice through double packer Haris Tabakovic (10th, 39th / penalty), but is still without a win at halftime in the master group. City rivals Rapid were one point ahead of the fifth-placed Violets before their Salzburg duel. The third LASK could already be ahead by eleven points at the end of the round. On the other hand, Klagenfurt could send the purple cousin to the bottom of the table with a win in Linz.

The highlight of the season on Sunday was already played on the Graz side. Christian Ilzer opted for rotation and a change in the basic structure. The Sturm coach rebuilt his team in five positions compared to the Salzburg defeat. With Alexander Prass, Tomi Horvat, Jusuf Gazibegovic and David Schnegg, frequent players were initially given a breather.

Austria coach Michael Wimmer left Matthias Braunöder on the bench as he did in the 1: 3 in Graz five weeks ago. James Holland replaced the young star. Matan Baltaxa started on the left wing instead of the recently unfortunate Manuel Polster. With the recently suspended Dominik Fitz and Tabakovic, the gap against Austria Klagenfurt (1:2) should be repaired.

Before that, however, Sturm’s converted “Werkl” started up. Affengruber after a corner kick with a header (2nd) and Emanuel Emegha, who failed because of the foot defense of Austria keeper Christian Früchtl (5th), missed top chances. In the middle of the first Sturm-Drang phase, Austria met. Tabakovic used his 1.94 m in a Fitz free kick and headed over the bottom edge of the bar to make it 1-0 (10th).

While the Swiss cheered with the visiting fans, an Austria fan fell head first over the parapet into the stadium moat. Tabakovic waved over the rescue workers, who had to provide first aid in the spectator stands in Liebenau for the third time within a short period of time. According to APA information, a folder had to be given medical care in front of the stadium.

The moment of shock resulted in a short-term strange mood. Emegha frittered away the great chance to equalize (19′) before Sturm also scored from a stationary ball (23′). Sarkaria was successful with the sly low shot under the jumping Austria wall. The ball rolled into the goal without Früchtl having a chance to defend himself. For the fifth time since moving in 2021, Sarkaria scored against his ex-club – a mark that he would later develop.

In the lively hustle and bustle, the Viennese presented again. Amadou Dante cleared twice before Affengruber inflicted a hand penalty that Tabakovic safely turned into his 14th goal of the season. After consultation with video referee Harald Lechner – the Sturm defender had blocked the ball in the shoulder and upper arm area – referee Markus Hameter stuck to his hard decision, but refrained from the red card, which was covered by the rules. Such would have made Affengruber a spectator in the cup game.

As a result, the second in the table fought against the imminent third defeat in the master group – and turned the game around within two minutes. First Kiteishvili overcame Früchtl from close range (62′). Then Sarkaria prevailed against Marvin Martins and scored another worth seeing lob (63′). Previously, a penalty alert in Austria’s penalty area after contact between Fischer and Emegha had no consequences.

Much would not have been missing and Sturm would have run after a larger deficit before the double strike. Okonkwo, who was not always stable, just prevented Tabakovic’s triple pack from a counterattack (49′) and was only able to watch Manfred Fischer (56′) crash the bar.

The game remained highly attractive until the end. Okonkwo parried a Gruber volley (70′) while Bryan Teixeira slipped away at the other end instead of completing Sarkaria’s Stanglpass (73′). Austria didn’t give up, but the 3:3 was no longer successful. And Sturm extended his home unbeaten run against Violett to six.