SK Sturm Graz booked their place in the round of 16 of the Austrian Cup with a 4-1 victory at regional league side Voitsberg on Wednesday. The Bundesliga club, however, needed almost an hour of play to translate their superiority into goals and secure a comfortable passage.
The match was covered by Kleine Zeitung Sport. For Sturm Graz, it marked the first competitive win of the new season following an inconsistent start to the Bundesliga campaign. Under coach Christian Ilzer, the team currently sits fourth in the table with eight points from five matches. Their record shows two wins, two draws, and one defeat. They trail league leaders Lask Linz by seven points in the standings.
The first half proved surprisingly difficult for the top-flight side. Ambitious and well-organized, Voitsberg rarely allowed the favorites clear-cut chances. Sturm Graz controlled possession but struggled to find gaps in the compact defensive block of the regional league outfit. The hoped-for early lead failed to materialize, leading to growing frustration among the visitors.
It was only after the break, around the hour mark, that Sturm Graz found their usual rhythm. The Grazers increased the tempo and pressure, which eventually translated into a flurry of goals. Within a few minutes, the opener was scored, followed by three more. Voitsberg managed only a consolation goal to make it 1-1 temporarily, but it did not spark a comeback. The late dominance and efficiency secured the clear 4-1 final scoreline.
Progressing to the next round of the ÖFB Cup is an important psychological boost for Sturm Graz. After a mixed bag of results in the league, a commanding cup win was required. This was achieved, albeit with a delayed reaction. The Cup remains a realistic target for the current season. The team can now look ahead to upcoming challenges with renewed confidence.
A look at the standings reveals the current league situation. With six goals scored and five conceded, the team has a positive goal difference of +1. The next major challenge awaits this weekend. Sturm Graz will host current table-toppers Lask Linz at home on September 13th. This top-of-the-table clash will be a key benchmark for the Grazers' ambitions.
One player sorely missed at this stage of the season is Otar Kiteishvili. The Georgian midfielder is currently sidelined with an injury. His creativity and link-up play are absent from the attack, felt particularly in set-pieces and build-up play. His return would provide a significant boost to the squad. We keep the current injury status of all players updated on our injuries page.
Despite this absence and the initial struggles, Sturm Graz ultimately deservedly advanced. The team showed the necessary patience and quality to handle a tricky cup tie. The focus now shifts entirely to the Bundesliga home game against Lask Linz on September 13, 2026.
