Sturm Graz secured a convincing 4-0 (1:0) win against Hearts of Midlothian in the third-round qualifier for the Europa League. In front of their home crowd in Liebenau, the Austrian vice-champions delivered a strong performance and head into the return leg with a comfortable lead. Currently, Sturm leads the Bundesliga with 38 points, one point ahead of Red Bull Salzburg.
How did the match unfold?
Captain Jon Gorenc Stankovic put Sturm ahead in the 4th minute with a header from a Jeyland Mitchell cross. The Scots missed several chances in the first half, including a shot by Pierre Kabore (25.) and a big opportunity for Alexandros Kyziridis (34.). Shortly after halftime, Mitchell (50.), Luca Weinhandl (53.), and Jürgen Heil (59.) scored three goals in ten minutes to make it 4-0.
Why does this matter for Sturm Graz?
The victory means Sturm Graz will face the winner of the tie between Fenerbahce and Gornik Zabrze in the next qualifying round. With this result, Fabio Ingolitsch's team is almost certain to reach the Europa League group stage. Sturm has scored 33 goals and conceded 26 this season, resulting in a positive goal difference of +7.
What’s next?
The return leg against Hearts of Midlothian will take place next Tuesday in Edinburgh. After that, Sturm Graz will travel to Austria Wien on October 10, who are currently in 4th place in the Bundesliga. Sturm Graz remains on track for a successful season.
