Home defeat against Sturm Graz

Two early goals conceded at the start of each half ensured Austria lost at home to Sturm Graz. Albian Ajeti and William Bøving scored for the Styrians, Mohammed Fuseini made it 0:3 in injury time. The Veilchen missed some very good chances before the change of ends, but could not improve in the second half.

Manfred Schmid returned to the sold-out Generali Arena after the international break with the same starting eleven as in the win against SV Ried, only Marvin Martins - who was out with an adductor blister - was replaced by Dario Kreiker.

Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer made two changes, Amadou Dante started at left back in place of David Schnegg, Albian Ajeti replaced Manprit Sarkaria.

Sturm took an early lead

After a sensational choreography by the Austria fans, Sturm Graz initially took command. Christian Früchtl was able to distinguish himself right at the beginning with good chances by Albian Ajeti and William Bøving (4th, 7th). A shot by Ajeti went over the goal (8th). Just when Austria found their way into the game, the visitors scored the opening goal: Alexander Prass sent Ajeti again with a good through pass, this time Früchtl was powerless - 0:1 in the 14th minute.

Sturm had another chance through David Affengruber after a corner kick (17th), before Andreas Gruber made the Veilchen dangerous for the first time. A cross from Dominik Fitz was taken over by the outfielder, Jörg Siebenhandl was able to parry. Muharem Husković was offside with the follow-up shot (18th). After a cross from Gruber, Husković passed to Fitz, who failed to hit Siebenhandl from close range (21.). In the 23rd minute Husković went for goal but missed. A handball by Affengruber in the penalty area after a volley by Manfred Fischer was deemed not worthy of a penalty by the referee and the VAR. Anyway, the equaliser for the Viennese would be highly deserved by now.

Früchtl prevented a second goal with a great reflex against Ajeti, on the other side Matthias Braunöder forced Siebenhandl to a brilliant save with a placed long shot (34., 39.). A high-class match with ten shots on goal on both sides went to the break with the visitors in the lead.

Sturm made everything clear after the change of ends

The second half started more quietly than the first, but again Sturm scored an early goal. William Bøving scored after a cross from Dante to make it 0:2 (58.). Früchtl saved another chance of the Dane shortly afterwards (61.). Manfred Schmid made his first change after an hour and brought on Nikola Dovedan instead of Aleksandar Jukić. A triple change followed a little later: Can Keles, James Holland and Georg Teigl came in for Matthias Braunöder, Dario Kreiker and Andreas Gruber.

Husković was prevented from finishing by Gazibegović, Bøving shot over the goal for Sturm (70., 78.). Austria were unable to add to their tally after the break, and Sturm made it 0:3 in injury time through substitute Mohammed Fuseini. The next game in the UEFA Conference League is away to Villarreal on Thursday.

FK Austria Wien - SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz 0:3 (0:1)

Austria: Früchtl; Ranftl (90. Vucic), Mühl, Galvão, Kreiker (73. Holland); Braunöder (73. Keles), Fischer; Gruber (73. Teigl), Fitz, Jukić (61. Dovedan); Husković

Sturm: Siebenhandl; Gazibegović, Affengruber, Wüthrich, Dante; Hierländer (74. Ljubic), Gorenc-Stankovič, Horvat (68. Kiteishvili), Prass; Ajeti (74. Sarkaria), Bøving (82. Fuseini)

Goals: Ajeti (14.), Bøving (58.), Fuseini (90.+2)

Yellow card: Kreiker (63.), Fitz (65.); Ljubic (84.)

Generali-Arena, referee Sebastian Gishamer, 14,300 spectators