Storm the Tivoli – and shoot LASK into the final against Rapid! After beating Admira 3-1, the black and white fans gave the athletes a clear mission for today’s play-off semi-final against Tirol (7 p.m., Sky). Win or fly – is LASK extending the season with the final duels with Rapid today?
Kühbauer against Rapid – so that this explosive duel for a place in the Europa Conference League can take place on Thursday at home and on Sunday in Vienna, LASK has to do everything differently today than in the recent horror experience at Tivoli: three weeks ago the athletes were still well served with the 0:4. Since then, Kühbauer has been leading the way at LASK. Will he lead the athletes to the final? “With the WSG we will meet a highly motivated opponent. But we have shown that we can play football well. It will be a tough fight that will demand everything from us,” said the 51-year-old.
Advantage LASK
The quality: “LASK has a lot more quality and experience,” said Tyrol coach Thomas Silberberger. In the three games under Kühbauer so far, LASK played this advantage in phases, the first half against Admira was one of the best of the season. Kühbauer: “We have gained self-confidence.” Such should also be the memory of the 6-0 win at home against the Tyroleans in the qualifying group.
The nerve strength: They showed that the athletes can withstand the pressure of a knockout duel against Admira when a win was a must – and in the round of 16 in October when the Tyroleans were defeated 2-1. Kühbauer has always proved to be a European Cup specialist with Rapid.
The balance: Of the five duels of the season, the athletes were clearly the better team in the first four (1:1, 2:1, 3:0, 6:0). The most recent 0: 4, however, was an oath of revelation that cost coach Andreas Wieland his job.
The fans: The supporters will make the game a “home game” and, despite the unfavorable date at the Tivoli, will whip their team forward more loudly than the Tyroleans can.
Advantage Tyrol
The home advantage: Tirol reduced the ticket prices significantly, the supporters are lured with free beer – this should create a real home advantage for the first time at the Tivoli. Even without this, Tirol won the last three home games.
The fresh: Silberberger rested numerous regular players in the match against Altach (1:2), which was meaningless for the Tyroleans. “Surprising,” said Kühbauer, adding honestly: “I don’t want to say that I would have done it differently.” He also lined up against Admira with a view to today and replaced other top performers after the break.
The chance: While LASK has to save a disappointing season, Tirol wants to take a unique opportunity. “We have the lightness of being,” said Silberberger. “We can play boldly. It will be an absolute fight at eye level.”
The “double Sabitzer”
Today’s game will be an unpleasant task for Thomas Sabitzer: The 21-year-old attacker, who scored one of his eight goals this season in the 4-0 win against LASK, is returning to the athletes after his loan in the summer, like the injured Tobias Anselm. Is Sabitzer missing out on the chance to play in the European Cup next season?
Source: Nachrichten
