LASK made Zrinjski Mostar 2-1 unnecessarily hopeful

For a long time it looked like LASK’s big liberation at the European Cup comeback – in the end the 2-1 win against Zrinjski Mostar in the play-off first leg of the Europa League football gave unnecessary hope for the second leg on Thursday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina. It’s about getting into the group phase, which the athletes could have come much closer to yesterday.

LASK trainer Thomas Sageder drew his conclusions from the disappointing 1: 1 on Saturday in the Bundesliga in Tyrol – and took the full risk. For the first time he set up a three-man defense. But the most important change was the attitude towards the game: The athletes started as if they wanted to make up for the many mistakes of the past few weeks in one game. The champions from Bosnia-Herzegovina were overwhelmed with pressing, with both goals LASK took possession of the ball well into the opposing half.

When it was 1-0, Robert Zulj converted his own rebound: the first shot had been blocked, but the second time he didn’t give ex-Rapid goalkeeper Marko Maric a chance (4th). When it was 2-0, ball conqueror Sascha Horvath served his captain, whose shot went right into the left corner (12′).

The 10,700 spectators in the Raiffeisen Arena were gratefully carried away, provided they didn’t support Zrinjski. But not everything went smoothly: The surprise effect of the line-up was quickly used up, Mostar coach Krunoslav Rendulic let his team attack higher, and Linz lost their grip in pressing. Zrinjski got into the game better, LASK needed luck when Marijo Cuze shot the pole (38th). Zrinjski won too many duels in midfield at this point.

Zulj missed the chance to make it 3:1

After the break, LASK took command again and had chances to make it 3-0 – but Zrinjski scored the goal: After a free kick from the right, Franko Sabljic was left alone, and the Zrinjski joker scored – 2: 1 (71st minute). ). The guests were satisfied with the result, while LASK brought only a little forward. Until injury time: Zulj appeared alone in front of Maric after a pass from Thomas Goiginger, but the goalkeeper made a save (91′).

A two-goal lead would have been a sedative ahead of the trip to Mostar. Hard work awaits in Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to be able to dream of group games against Liverpool, West Ham or AS Roma.