2-0 against Sturm Graz: Salzburg extend their lead

The series champion won the big hit of the fourth round of the championship group on Sunday, not undeservedly, at pursuer Sturm Graz 2-0 (0-0) and thus extended the lead at the top of the table to five points six games before the end of the season. Nicolas Capaldo (54′) and Benjamin Sesko (73′) scored the decisive goals in the sold-out Merkur Arena.

It was a special goal for Capaldo in particular, as he had missed the ÖFB Cup quarter-finals against Graz on penalties in early February as the last shooter of his team. For Salzburg it was the first victory in a direct duel after four unsuccessful attempts in competitions. The Grazers had inflicted the only defeat of the season so far in the second round (1:2) on the champions of the past nine seasons.

The Grazers made five changes compared to the 2-0 home win at Austria Klagenfurt. The defense was newly formed except for Alexandar Borkovic, defender Gregory Wüthrich made his comeback in the center after an injury break. In the offensive, playmaker Otar Kiteishvili and Albian Ajeti only sat on the bench at the beginning. Up front Manprit Sarkaria stormed alongside Emanuel Emegha.

Hardly any offensive highlights

In the case of the heavily weakened Salzburg team, the starting lineup had changed in three positions compared to the goalless draw against LASK. Bernardo and Amankwah Forson replaced Andreas Ulmer and Lucas Gourna-Douath, who suffered from thigh injuries. Junior Adamu got the nod over Oscar Gloukh on offense.

With both teams, you could tell that there was a lot at stake in the absolute hit game. Both the hosts and the “Bulls” were careful not to allow any dangerous actions, especially at the back, which was also successful. Accordingly, the 16,000 spectators were offered few offensive highlights. At least twice controversial situations caused a stir.

First, a goal from Salzburg’s Sesko was rightly disallowed for being offside (25′). On the other hand, the Grazers claimed a penalty after a slight foul on Emegha (35th). Here, too, the decision of referee Harald Lechner was probably the right one. From the game only Sarkaria managed to finish once after a Hierländer throw-in in the area of ​​the penalty spot, but failed to get the ball on goal (41′).

Little changed in the characteristics of the game even after the restart. The series champion seemed at least a little more dangerous. Bernardo tested storm goalie Arthur Okonkwo (50th). Four minutes later, the guests presented. Sekou Koita prevailed on the side and found Capaldo coming from the back with a cross pass, who shot through the legs of two Sturm kickers completely unprotected. The 24-year-old Argentinian’s fifth goal of the season was a particularly important one.

After that, Adamu was knocked out in the shoulder. His substitute Karim Konate fitted into the game brilliantly, ideally served Sesko with a cross, who first prepared the ball with a direct acceptance and then transformed it with the second contact, which is worth seeing. Sesko is only missing two hits in the shooting list on the two leaders Guido Burgstaller and Markus Pink (16 each).

Salzburg is now 24 league games undefeated and equaled a league record with the twelfth away win in a row. Already on Wednesday there is the possibility to let the next one follow at Rapid in Vienna. At the dress rehearsal for the cup final against Rapid in Klagenfurt, the Grazers are at home against Wiener Austria in action.