Sturm Graz claimed a point in their UEFA Europa League opener with a defensively solid performance. Fabio Ingolitsch's side held French outfit Stade Rennes to a goalless 0-0 draw on Wednesday evening.
The start to European competition was a defensive assignment for the Graz side, who sit fourth in the Austrian Bundesliga with 11 points and have managed just one win from their last five league outings. Setting up in a 5-3-2 formation, they ceded possession but remained compact. The first danger came from Rennes, but goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov was alert to a long-range effort from Sebastian Szymański. Sturm created little before the break but defended their shape diligently.
Ingolitsch makes early change
At half-time, Ingolitsch introduced Arjan Malić for Albert Vallci to add fresh legs to the back line. The hosts grew bolder and created a few chances on the counter. Luís Balbo saw the game's first yellow card in the 51st minute for a foul. The best opportunity for a home win fell to substitute Oumar Diakité, whose shot whistled just wide of the far post. Rennes piled on pressure late, but Khudyakov and his defenders stood firm. Jaka Gorenc Stankovic was booked in added time.
The match statistics tell the story: Rennes enjoyed 62% possession and 23 shots, with five on target. Sturm Graz managed 11 attempts and an expected goals figure of 0.68. The Austrian side conceded five corners and committed 12 fouls but maintained their defensive focus throughout. The team now has one point in the Europa League group and turns its attention to a key domestic fixture. Next on the fixtures list is a top-of-the-table clash away to third-placed Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday.
Manager Fabio Ingolitsch commented on the goalless draw on Wednesday. "We fought for the point, it was a real team performance," said the Sturm coach. The Grazers, who are fourth in the Bundesliga with 11 points, now look ahead to the top match at Red Bull Salzburg.
Goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov was praised for his performance in the 0-0 draw against Rennes. The club stated that the keeper kept the clean sheet with several saves. Sturm Graz, fourth in the Bundesliga with 11 points, has recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss in its last five games. Next up is Red Bull Salzburg.
Coach Fabio Ingolitsch was satisfied after the 0:0 against Rennes but also saw potential. "It somehow hurts that we didn't land the 'lucky punch'", said the 34-year-old. He could even imagine a win with a bit more luck. The team, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga with 11 points, continued the positive trend from the 2:1 win against LASK. The club again praised goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov for his performance.
