Sturm Graz will begin the Europa League league phase with a home match against Stade Rennes. The game in Graz is scheduled for September 16, as reported by the Austrian outlet Der Standard Sport. The Black-Whites enter their European duties with a solid domestic record. They currently sit third in the Bundesliga table with eight points from four games, just one point behind leaders Rapid Vienna. Their next task, however, comes on September 13 with a Bundesliga home game against second-placed LASK Linz.
When do the other Austrian teams play?
Alongside Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg is also competing in the Europa League. Salzburg starts its campaign on September 17 with an away match at Lewski Sofia. The second round on October 15 then brings a real highlight, as Salzburg hosts AC Milan at home. On the same day, Sturm Graz must travel to England to face AFC Bournemouth. These dates are firmly set in the clubs' fixtures calendars.
Which special fixtures are coming up?
A particularly emotional reunion is on the cards for Sturm Graz on November 26. They will travel to face TSG Hoffenheim, who are coached by Christian Ilzer. Ilzer was the successful manager of the Graz side until 2024, leading the club to a cup triumph among other achievements. The match against his former club is highly anticipated. For Sturm, it's an important test during a period where the squad is also dealing with personnel shortages. Currently, Filip Rózga, Otar Kiteishvili, and Daniil Khudyakov are sidelined with injuries, as shown on the injuries list.
What is Sturm Graz's current form?
Sturm Graz's record in the current Bundesliga season is steady. From the first four matches, the team has taken two wins and two draws. A goal difference of 5:2 speaks to defensive solidity. The recent form sequence of D-W-W-D provides grounds for optimism ahead of the upcoming European challenges. The team has conceded only two goals so far this season, forming a strong foundation for the international fixtures. Detailed team statistics can be found on our stats page.
What does the season start mean for further plans?
The start of the Europa League is a key milestone for Sturm Graz's season planning. The opener against Rennes offers a chance to collect early points in the new league phase. Simultaneously, the team must keep pace at the top of the Bundesliga. The direct clash with LASK on September 13 is very important for that. Injuries to key players like Kiteishvili test the depth of the squad. The coming weeks will show if Sturm Graz can be successful on multiple fronts.
