Austria Vienna Secured a 2:2 Draw at Sturm Graz

After a 2:0 victory in the ÖFB Cup quarter-finals, a 2:2 at the start of the spring season in the football Bundesliga: Vienna Austria managed to trouble defending champion Sturm Graz for the second time within a week at the Merkur Arena. Even though the gap of the first pursuer in the table to the leader remains three points after the 17th round, the Viennese could live better with the draw than the host, who mourned the lost points more.

Austria Wien Could Live Better with Draw than Leader Sturm Graz

"It annoys me that we let Austria come back twice and missed the big chance to decide the game at 2:1. I am not satisfied with the result," summarized Sturm coach Jürgen Säumel, who saw his team as "a bit better." He was also annoyed by the penalty whistle from referee Sebastian Gishamer after VAR intervention and review of the TV images, which made Dominik Fitz's equalizer (74th) possible. "I don't know why they interfere, it wasn't a clear wrong decision," said Säumel.

Niklas Geyrhofer had blocked Maurice Malone's path with his foot in a duel, preventing the Austria striker from finishing. The situation was controversial. Not for Malone, who spoke of a "clear" penalty. The Graz team would have liked to see such a penalty for a supposed foul on Seedy Jatta earlier, but the whistle rightly stayed silent. "From my point of view, neither situation was a penalty. Overall, it wasn't down to the referee," said Säumel.

The 40-year-old was "not dissatisfied" with the performance. Compared to the bitter exit in the Cup, an improvement was noticeable, for example in terms of presence in the penalty area. He identified potential for improvement, especially in one area. "We have phases where we are not compact enough," emphasized the former midfielder. For example, at the 1:1 by Nik Prelec, who was not prevented from heading after a Fitz cross. Twice the Graz team was lucky with aluminum hits from the Viennese.

"Very Attractive" Game

Austria goalkeeper Samuel Sahin-Radlinger had to concede on the other side to a rebound from Jatta (29th minute) and a not unstoppable long shot from William Böving (60th minute). "It was a very attractive game. We succeeded well in keeping the opponent away from the goal, and it also looked good how we moved Sturm. It was a fair draw," analyzed Austria coach Stephan Helm. Against a Sturm team with anger in their belly, we had to perform better than the previous Saturday. "We were sharper and dared more."

Particularly impressive was the respective reaction after falling behind. "The team is not easily rattled," emphasized the 41-year-old. Additionally, they are finding more and more confidence in their game. "This makes them more unpredictable for the opponents," said Helm. There was special praise for Fitz, who shaped the game with a goal and an assist. "He has become much more mature, and primarily he puts his skills completely at the service of the team," explained Austria's coach.

Säumel Expects a Tight Spring

The competition in the fight for the top spots can be seen as the winner of the point split. Third-placed Rapid (on Saturday against fourth-placed WAC) and fifth-placed Salzburg (on Sunday in Klagenfurt) could shorten the gap to first place with victories. "Many teams have strengthened, it will certainly be a bit tighter than in the autumn," speculated Säumel. Every point counts, even in the next away game at WAC. "Now it's about winning games again, rewarding ourselves," said right-back Arjan Malic.

The Austrians also want to stay fully involved at the front. "We have to try to keep things in perspective and deliver the best performance week after week," demanded defense chief Aleksandar Dragovic. Similar sentiments were echoed by Manfred Fischer. "We were fully present against Sturm twice, but now we have to stay grounded." The next hurdle awaits on February 16th without the suspended Matteo Perez Vinlöf in the home derby against Rapid. "We will strike back after the last derby defeat," declared the midfielder. On September 22nd, Rapid had won 2-1.

(APA/Red)

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