Vienna Austria in Thriller Against Sturm for ÖFB-Cup Semi-Finals

The weekend in the ÖFB Cup quarter-finals brings two real crackers. On Saturday, Bundesliga table leaders Sturm Graz and their first pursuer Austria Vienna face each other, on Sunday (both 18.15 hrs/live ORF 1) LASK and Red Bull Salzburg will compete. Defending champions Sturm can make good use of the confidence gained from the Leipzig victory at the end of the Champions League. "We are facing a real challenge," said coach Jürgen Säumel.

Sturm Victorious

A week after the sobering 0:5 at Atalanta Bergamo, Sturm regained courage on Wednesday with the 1:0 against Leipzig - just in time for the "real task" (Säumel) on a national level. "Things can move very quickly in both directions," stressed the coach, who wants to "win the game at all costs" and can rely on striker newcomer Fally Mayulu for the first time in contrast to the Champions League. "Saturday's game is very important for us," he left no doubt. "This could be the starting signal for a successful spring season."

In Graz, there will be a rematch of last year's quarter-finals, when the Blackys won 2:0 at home on their way to their seventh cup title. It was a different season, especially considering the Viennese, who are currently one of the most stable teams in the league and managed a 2:2 draw at the Verteilerkreis in the autumn - albeit almost half the time with a double advantage. In a way, they are now in the role that Sturm once was when it came to tripping up Salzburg.

"Underdog" Austria?

"Only the underdog role remains," said Austria coach Stephan Helm despite all self-confidence. However, he feels "well prepared", the team is eager for the match. "We believe that we have made some progress. We are a bit more flexible and a bit more unpredictable," said the Burgenländer. The fact that, unlike Sturm 2025, they have not yet played any compulsory games, "does not matter". The Cup also tempts the financially strapped club with the quick European Cup ticket. "The importance of the game is huge, and there is a great opportunity in it. There is a lot to win," said Helm.

LASK Versus Salzburg

The situation is somewhat different in Linz, where two teams that disappointed in the fall face each other. The motto is redemption, both teams want to show their new face. Salzburg missed the first opportunities for this in the Champions League against the big clubs from Madrid, the 1:5 at Real was just as clear as the 1:4 against Atletico. "We need to show more willingness in both directions (offensive and defensive, note), otherwise we will not be successful in the league and in the cup," warned coach Thomas Letsch, who is facing his first national test as the successor to Pep Lijnders. A victory is eagerly awaited in Salzburg in view of the mammoth task in the spring - in the league, they are ten points behind Sturm.

At least the former Austria coach can rely on more players compared to the CL. The new signings Karim Onisiwo and Maximiliano Caufriez or defensive youngster Joane Gadou are eligible to play in domestic competitions. Letsch also had to clarify the number one question. Janis Blaswich and Alexander Schlager each played a CL match and made some hair-raising mistakes. "We are happy to take on the role of favourites. Obligation to win is a big word. But if you want to win the cup, you have to survive the quarterfinals," said Letsch.

"Huge Challenge"

LASK coach Markus Schopp is facing a "huge challenge". Since taking office in September, he has not been able to put Linz on a stable track of success. In the league, the seventh-placed team is three points behind the championship group. They have not won five competitive matches in a row, only achieving one draw. The last victory dates back to the end of November and was achieved with a 2:1 away win in Salzburg. Schopp is convinced that the past weeks have "advanced his team in a super exciting process". "The conditions are certainly better than sometimes in the fall."

A new captain is also expected to bring a fresh wind. Robert Zulj has lost the armband, he is succeeded by central defender Philipp Ziereis - a key figure in the central defence since 2022. "Everyone had the opportunity to position themselves. It is important who really wants to take responsibility. It is not a decision against anyone," said Schopp. He apparently does not want to overburden Zulj. "Robert has carried a lot in recent weeks and months." Maxim Talowjerow will no longer play any role. The Ukrainian defensive player moved to English second division side Plymouth Argyle for a reported 2 million euros, making him the fourth most expensive sale in LASK's history.

(APA/Red)

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