Important 2-1 win at Blau Weiß Linz

Dominik Fitz gave the Violets an early lead in Linz, Conor Noß made it 1-1 for the Upper Austrians, and Andreas Gruber scored his ninth goal of the season in stoppage time to make it 2-1 and keep Austria in the race for the championship group.

Michael Wimmer was without Marvin Martins, who had an adductor injury, and Reinhold Ranftl, who was suspended. Instead, Christian Früchtl returned in goal, with Johannes Handl starting in defense alongside Tin Plavotić and Lucas Galvão. Luca Pazourek made his starting debut for Austria in right midfield after his brief appearance in the derby. Manfred Fischer took over the sole position in central defensive midfield. Hakim Guenouche started on the outside left, Andreas Gruber on the right.

Blau-Weiß coach Gerald Scheiblehner, who played his only 15 Bundesliga minutes in an Austria kit against GAK on August 28, 1998, made two changes to his starting eleven: Brazilians Ronivaldo and Joao Luiz replaced Julian Gölles and Stefan Feiertag.

Injury misfortune again, but the Violets still take the lead

Austria were clearly keen to make amends after last week's unfortunate game and the Viennese side immediately took command at the Hofmann Personal Stadium. Andreas Gruber's first warning shot was deflected out for a corner (3rd), but a minute later the ball was already in the net. Hakim Guenouche set up Dominik Fitz perfectly, who outpaced Manuel Maranda and gave goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid no chance with a well-placed shot. 0-1 in the 4th minute.

After a feed from Muharem Husković, Fitz had the chance to make it 2-0, but failed to beat Schmid (17'). After a collision between Pazourek and Ronivaldo, both had to be treated for lacerations. Our debutant was unable to continue and was replaced by Romeo Vučić. Guenouche took over Pazourek's position, with Vučić playing at left-back. The Violets' match plan was shaken up once again due to injury.

Blau Weiß Linz did not really create any chances in the first half hour before Conor Noß made it 1-1 with a deflected shot after a quick counter-attack (36'). A shot from Manfred Fischer went over and a header from Fabio Strauss missed the target (38', 42'). Schmid was able to defuse a Vučić shot (45'), and Andreas Gruber put the Violets back in front in stoppage time after an assist from Frans Krätzig. Blau Weiß Linz went into the break 2-1 up against Austria.

Austria brought victory over time

Both teams came out of the break unchanged, Austria had the first chance again through a shot from Vučić, which missed the target (46'). Linz had a good chance through Ronivaldo. Früchtl made a save, but Paul Mensah's follow-up shot was saved by Johannes Handl in front of the line (52'). On the counter-attack, Husković was prevented from finishing at the last moment (54').

In the 69th minute, it was Husković again who had a chance but was denied by Schmid. With 15 minutes remaining, Alexander Schmid came on for the stricken goalscorer Andi Gruber. Blue & White had a headed chance through Lukas Tursch, Ronivaldo scored from a clear offside position (76', 78').

James Holland came on for Muki Husković in the 86th minute and Dominik Fitz put a free-kick over the bar from a good position (90'). Austria did not allow any more chances in stoppage time and took the three points back to Vienna.

FC Blau Weiß Linz - FK Austria Wien 1-2 (1-2)

Linz: Schmid; Tursch, Maranda, Strauss; Luiz (84' Gölles), Krainz, Koch, Pirkl; Mensah (87' Ibrahimi), Ronivaldo, Noß (64' Seidl)

Austria: Früchtl; Handl, Plavotić, Galvão; Pazourek (24' Vučić), Fischer, Fitz, Krätzig; Gruber (74' Schmid), Husković (86' Holland), Guenouche

Goals: Noß (36'); Fitz (4'), Gruber (45+1')

Yellow cards: Galvão (57'), Handl (63'), Guenouche (90+5'); Mensah (86'), Maranda (89')

Hofmann Personal Stadion, referee Christian-Petru Ciochirca, 5,600 spectators

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)