0-2 defeat against LASK

The Violets had more of the game in the first half, but LASK took the lead through a goal by Robert Žulj. He added another goal after the break, but unfortunately Austria could not follow up.

Coach Michael Wimmer had to do without Johannes Handl in defence, while Lucas Galvão was joined in central defence by Marvin Martins, who was fit to play again, and Matan Baltaxa. The midfield remained unchanged compared to the match against WAC, in attack Muharem Husković came into the starting eleven instead of Aleksandar Jukić.

LASK won 2-1 against Mostar in the Conference League Play Off on Thursday, coach Thomas Sageder left his team unchanged.

LASK took the lead

The Violets started the game well and were able to hold their own against the high pressing of Linz. In the 13th minute, LASK had the first chance, but Christian Früchtl held his ground against Florian Flecker and Robert Žulj. However, the action was whistled for a foul anyway. A beautiful Austria counterattack via Andreas Gruber and Muki Husković ended with Dominik Fitz, whose decisive pass was blocked (16th). A deflected shot by Reinhold Ranftl almost landed at the feet of Hakim Guenouche - just missed (22nd). Lucas Galvão finished off the ensuing corner, but the ball went just wide of the goal (23rd). Christian Früchtl threw himself into a shot by Ibrahim Mustapha, on the other side Andres Andrade almost scored an own goal after a cross from Guenouche (25th, 27th).

Austria had more than 60 per cent possession in the first half hour, but it was still Linz who took the lead. Robert Žulj scored with a powerful header after Florian Flecker's cross to make it 1-0 (32nd). A little later Flecker scored himself, but Früchtl was able to save (41st). Dominik Fitz had the best chance to equalise, but Tobias Lawal in the Upper Austrian goal saved his shot with his fingertips (44th). Score at the break: 1-0 for LASK.

LASK added another goal

Maltan Baltaxa stayed in the dressing room at the break, Matteo Meisl came on for the Israeli. After the break, LASK were better in the game and Robert Žulj scored after Mustapha's assist to make it 2-0 (58th). Wimmer then made three changes, Matthias Braunöder, Hakim Guenouche and Muharem Husković left the pitch. Aleksandar Jukić, Manuel Polster and Alexander Schmidt were new to the team.

Andreas Gruber had a header opportunity after a Fitz corner, Manfred Fischer shot over the goal (66th, 71st). Früchtl was alert when Elias Havel, who had just been substituted, had a chance (78th). Silva came on for Reinhold Ranftl in the closing stages, Austria continued to struggle to create chances in the second half.

Früchtl saved from Marin Ljubičić in stoppage time, but Austria could not get any points in Linz today.

LASK - Austria Wien 2-0 (1-0)

LASK: Lawal; Ziereis, Andrade, Luckeneder; Flecker, Jovičić, Horvath, Renner; Mustapha (77th Havel), Žulj (65th Ljubičić), Usor (46th Pintor, 84th Ljubic))

Austria: Früchtl; Martins, Galvão, Baltaxa (46th Meisl); Ranftl (87th Silva), Fischer, Braunöder (64th Jukić), Guenouche (64th Polster); Gruber, Husković (64th Schmidt), Fitz

Goals: Žulj (32nd, 58th)

Yellow cards: Jovičić (35th), Žulj (57th); Fitz (74th)

Raiffeisen Arena, referee Walter Altmann, 12,700 spectators