Goal festival: Austria cruise into ÖFB Cup quarterfinals

Alex Grünwald, Stephan Zwierschitz, Benedikt Pichler, Manprit Sarkaria and Dominik Fitz scored for the “Violets” in the 5-3 spectacle against TSV Hartberg. Austria Wien made it to the UNIQA ÖFB Cup quarterfinals.

Aleksandar Jukić started instead of Patrick Wimmer - Peter Stöger only made one change after the draw against St. Pölten. Alexander Grünwald is eligible to play in the cup after his yellow-red card, Christoph Monschein was back in the squad.

Markus Schopp was able to fall back on Bakary Nimaga for the first time this season, but Tobias Kainz was suspended. Dario Tadic was back in the starting line-up.

Furious first half

Austria Wien started well, Aleksandar Jukić had the first chance in the second minute after assist by Benedikt Pichler, but he shot over the goal. Pichler injured himself shortly afterwards but was able to continue. Hartberg had the first opportunity through Rajko Rep, but the Slovenian missed (8’). A finish by Jukić - again after assist by Pichler - was blocked by Hartberg’s defence (11’). Jukić then prepared the 1-0 through Alexander Grünwald perfectly in the 12^th minute - the captain scored with his right foot.

Aleksandar Jukić shot over the goal before Stephan Zwierschitz scored the 2-0 in the same minute (17’). Erik Palmer-Brown captured the ball after the goal kick, Zwierschitz scored with the second attempt after assist by Manprit Sarkaria.

Then Hartberg got stronger, Patrick Pentz was on the spot for good shots from Rep and Tadic (25’, 36’). In between, Lukas Ried scored a goal for the guests, which was not recognized due to handball (28’). Benedikt Pichler increased in the 41^st minute after a blocked shot by Zwierschitz - 3-0, the first half was impressive.

Five more goals after the break

Dominik Fitz replaced Bright Edomwonyi and at the same time celebrated a perfect debut: the 21-year-old served Manprit Sarkaria, who scored the 4-0 (49’). The guests have not yet given up. Lukas Ried shot over the goal in the 52^nd minute, Dario Tadic scored shortly after - 4-1 (57’). Manprit Sarkaria returned the favour from Dominik Fitz, this time he made the assist, Fitz scored the 5-1.

Christoph Monschein was well enough to play; the striker came into the game for Benedikt Pichler 20 minutes before the end. After a good performance, Jukić was allowed to leave the field after 73 minutes, Patrick Wimmer took his spot. Thomas Ebner replaced Stephan Zwierschitz and Alon Turgeman replaced Alexander Grünwald.

In the final phase it got exciting again. Patrick Pentz parried a shot by substitute Igbonekwu (77’), but afterwards that the violet goalkeeper had to admit defeat twice. Sascha Horvath scored with a long shot, Seifedin Chabbi converted a penalty (81’, 83’). Referee Stefan Ebner awarded Hartberg another penalty, a clear mistake. Chabbi only hit the bar this time (90’+1’). Alon Turgeman missed the last chance (90’+4’), Austria Wien made it to the UNIQA ÖFB Cup quarterfinals after a spectacular game.

FK Austria Wien - TSV Hartberg 5-3 (3-0)

Austria Wien: Pentz; Teigl, Handl, Palmer-Brown, Suttner; Jukić (73’ Pichler), Zwierschitz (73’ Ebner), Grünwald (82’ Turgeman), Sarkaria; Edomwonyi (46’ Fitz), Pichler (67’ Monschein)

Hartberg: Swete; Gölles, Gollner, Luckeneder, Klem; Tijani (46’ Heil), Nimaga (46’ Yoda); Horvath, Rep (76’ Igbonekwu), Ried (58’ Ertlthaler); Tadic (58’ Chabbi)

Goals: Grünwald (12’), Zwierschitz (17’), Pichler (41’), Sarkaria (49’), Fitz (65’); Tadic (57’), Horvath (81’), Chabbi (83’, penalty)

Yellow cards: Palmer-Brown (90’), Suttner (90’+1’); Yoda (86’)

Generali-Arena, referee Stefan Ebner, no spectators due to COVID-19 regulation