Sturm Graz beats LASK 2:1 for first league win of the season
Sturm Graz defeated champions LASK 2:1 to claim their first league win of the season in front of 15,649 fans at the Liebenau Stadium. Fabio Ingolitsch’s side secured the victory through goals from Gizo Mamageishvili and Oumar Diakité, after Seedy Jatta had opened the scoring in the 34th minute.
The hosts started strongly: after a surging run by Jacob Hödl, Mamageishvili played a precise pass into Jatta’s path, and the winger finished calmly from ten yards. However, referee Sebastian Gishamer had to overturn a penalty decision after VAR review, stating: „Schiedsrichter Sebastian Gishamer musste jedoch auf Freistoß umentscheiden, nachdem der VAR den Tatort außerhalb des Strafraums ausmachte.“ The initial spot-kick for a foul on Jürgen Heil was changed to a free kick as the incident occurred outside the box.
LASK levelled just before halftime: a poor header clearance by Arjan Malic allowed Krystof Danek to break through and equalise in the 45+2nd minute, sending the teams into the break level.
At halftime, Ingolitsch made an immediate tactical change, bringing on Otar Kiteishvili and Filip Rozga to boost creativity, as he said: „Sturm-Trainer Fabio Ingolitsch verstärkte umgehend die Kreativabteilung und wechselte Otar Kiteishvili und Filip Rozga ein.“ The substitution paid off: in the 59th minute, Diakité, who had replaced the injured Jatta, drove forward and finished after a Malic assist to make it 2:1.
In the closing stages, Matoshi and Hödl missed a golden chance to seal the win. In the 95th minute, Diakité had another excellent opportunity that led to a penalty for Sturm Graz, but Kiteishvili struck his spot-kick over the bar.
Despite the missed penalty, the win stood. Sturm Graz now have eight points from five games, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind league leaders LASK. Their recent form reads LDWWD, with two wins on the bounce.
The next challenge comes on September 20th away to Red Bull Salzburg, who currently occupy third place. Supporters can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and view the latest squad list at squad.
The final phase of the 2-1 win against LASK was not visible on TV. A power outage at Sky Sport Austria caused a picture blackout in the 86th minute. The missed penalty by Otar Kiteishvili in stoppage time was thus not broadcast live. Sturm Graz, currently in 4th place with 11 points, is now on a two-game winning run.
Sturm Graz took the first points of the season from LASK. Debutant Oumar Diakité scored his first goal for the Styrians. With 11 points from 6 games, Sturm Graz now sits four points behind leaders LASK.
Sturm coach Fabio Ingolitsch is annoyed with the schedule. He said: 'The league is forcing the top match on us on Sunday.' This refers to the game against LASK ahead of the Europa League fixture. Sturm Graz, currently 4th with 11 points, faces Stade Rennes on Wednesday.
