Austria Laughs After Victory in Linz from Top of the Table

Vienna Austria took the lead in the standings after the first round of the championship group in the football Bundesliga. The Violets celebrated a 2-0 away victory against Blau-Weiß Linz on Sunday, putting them two points ahead of defending champion Sturm Graz, who only managed a 1-1 draw at WAC. Dominik Fitz (2nd) and Reinhold Ranftl (17th) shot Austria to their fourth consecutive victory and their 15th success in the last 17 competitive matches.

Early Austria Lead

The guests got off to an optimal start in the Hofmann Personal Stadium, which was sold out with nearly 6,000 spectators. In a transition situation, Alexander Gruber played to Fitz, who defeated Radek Vitek with a lob after 72 seconds. The Linz goalkeeper did get his hands on the ball but could not prevent the Austria playmaker's tenth league goal of the season.

Blau-Weiß countered with a shot from Anderson, saved by Austria goalkeeper Samuel Sahin-Radlinger (6th), but Austria remained the better team. First, Maurice Malone hit only the side netting from close range after a pass from Ranftl (8th), then Ranftl shot from over 20 meters and beat Vitek with a low shot into the far corner. Gruber could have added another in the 21st minute but was denied by Vitek.

No Linz Consolation Goal

The hosts delivered a committed performance in their first championship group match despite the early deficit, but no compelling chances emerged. The most dangerous moments came from what was likely a cross attempt by Alexander Briedl, where Sahin-Radlinger was on the spot (30th), and a shot by Thomas Goiginger well over the bar (45th).

The first opportunity after the break belonged to Linz, with substitute Kristijan Dobras missing from a good position (53rd). Dobras also came closest to scoring a consolation goal: In the 71st minute, the offensive player found his master in Sahin-Radlinger. Austria was no longer compelling in front of the opponent's goal in the second half and mainly focused on managing their lead - ultimately with success, as Blau-Weiß could not put the new leader under pressure in the finish.

(APA/Red)

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