Furious comeback: Austria Wien defeats Hartberg 3-1

Hartberg took an early lead through Maximilian Entrup, but Muharem Husković equalized just a few minutes later after an assist from Frans Krätzig. The Violets turned the game around after the break, with Dominik Fitz and Romeo Vučić scoring the other goals.

Coach Michael Wimmer made two changes to the starting eleven after the cup defeat to Sturm Graz. Frans Krätzig, the only new signing of the winter transfer window, started at left-back in place of Manuel Polster, while Romeo Vučić earned himself a place in the starting line-up and Andreas Gruber initially took his place on the bench. Mirko Kos remained in goal for the Violets due to Christian Früchtl's knee injury.

Apart from Christoph Lang, who moved to Hütteldorf, Hartberg coach Markus Schopp kept the same successful team from the fall. Prokop was responsible for creativity on the left side in a 4-1-4-1 system, while Donis Avdijaj and Mamadou Sangaré formed the attacking midfield center behind top scorer Maximilian Entrup. Tobias Kainz secured the defense as a "six", while Ruben Providence was preferred to Dominik Frieser on the right flank.

Hartberg took the lead, Austria equalized

Austria immediately tried to take control of the game, but fell behind as early as the 5th minute. A shot from Dominik Prokop was deflected onto the bar by Mirko Kos, the rebound was pushed over the line by Max Entrup to make it 0-1. The Violets were not discouraged and repeatedly caused Hartberg problems with their high pressing. A shot from Romeo Vučić landed on Paul Komposch's hand, but the arm was in place - no penalty (8'). Kos defused a good chance from Entrup after a pass from Prokop and the game swung back and forth (10').

The Violets equalized in the 13th minute: Reinhold Ranftl crossed the ball into the middle, Frans Krätzig headed the ball to Muharem Husković, who also headed home to make it 1-1. First assist in his first game for the new signing from Bayern Munich, first goal of the season for Muki Husković.

The duel then pitted Entrup against Kos again, with the Austria goalkeeper again coming out on top (14th). Husković hit the outside of the net, and 10 minutes later Raphael Sallinger in the Hartberg goal saved his team from going behind when Husković had another good chance. Ranftl delivered the perfect cross (21', 31'). Husković put a corner from Krätzig over the crossbar (41'). A very conspicuous Krätzig could only be stopped by fouls several times, but referee Alan Kijas did not show the yellow card. An impressive first half ended 1-1.

Violets turned the game around after the break

Violett had the first chance of the second half, a shot by Manfred Fischer after preparatory work by Krätzig was blocked (46'). Mirko Kos was on hand to save a header from Komposch (50'). The game was turned around in the 51st minute: Austria continued to exert high pressure in attacking pressing, Mamadou Sangaré - unintentionally - served the ball to Dominik Fitz, who slotted into the empty net - also Fitz's first goal of the season (51'). The home side went one better, Romeo Vučić scored after an assist from Marvin Potzmann to make it 3-1. Almost 11,000 spectators in the Generali-Arena were on the edge of their seats.

Sallinger made a last-second save from Husković (64') and Michael Wimmer made his first substitution fifteen minutes from time. Frans Krätzig collected his well-deserved applause and Manuel Polster came on for him. Andreas Gruber replaced Dominik Fitz. Vučić failed to beat Sallinger (79'), after which the next double change took place: James Holland and Alexander Schmidt replaced Marvin Potzmann and Romeo Vučić. Holland on Schmidt, the two substitutes immediately created danger, but the Austria striker was prevented from finishing at the last moment (86').

The Violets saw the game out safely, defeating fourth-placed Hartberg 3-1.

Austria Vienna - TSV Hartberg 3-1 (1-1)

Austria: Kos; Handl, Martins (90'+4 Plavotić), Galvão; Ranftl, Fischer, Potzmann (83' Holland), Krätzig (77' Polster); Vučić (83' Schmidt), Husković, Fitz (77' Gruber)

Hartberg: Sallinger; Heil, Komposch, Bowat, Pfeifer; Kainz; Providence, Avdijaj, Sangaré (75' Halwachs), Prokop (62' Frieser); Entrup (75' Fillafer)

Goals: Husković (13'), Fitz (51'), Vučić (55'); Entrup (5')

Yellow cards: Ranftl (10'), Potzmann (43'); Pfeifer (46'), Sangaré (69')

Generali-Arena, referee Alan Kijas, 10,921 spectators