The weakened Austrian soccer double winner had to narrowly but deservedly defeat the Belgian champions FC Bruges 0-1 (0-1) in Klagenfurt on Wednesday after a tough fight. Coach Christian Ilzer’s team suffered their second defeat in the second game of the league phase in the premier class.
Christos Tzolis became the match winner for Bruges with a remarkable shot into the far corner of the cross (23′). For the red-white-red representatives, however, it was the fourth defeat in as many games in the Champions League. Sturm was defeated at the start at Stade Brest (1:2), and runner-up Salzburg also still has no points to their name after two of eight rounds. Sturm will have his next opportunity on October 22nd in the home game against Sporting Lisbon.
Three top performers were missing
Without the three injured defensive key players Gregory Wüthrich, Jon Gorenc Stankovic (both injured) and Dimitri Lavalée (suspended), Ilzer was forced to make changes. Niklas Geyrhofer celebrated his Champions League debut in central defense, while Tochi Chukwuani provided the clearance in front of the defense. The teenagers Malick Yalcouyé (18) and Amady Camara (19) were also in the starting line-up for the first time in the premier class; the Ilzer squad had an average age of 22.1 years.
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Image: GEPA pictures/ Matthias Trinkl
Before kick-off, the Sturm supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with the alternative location in Carinthia. “Incidentally, we are of the opinion that Sturm’s hometown must be Graz,” said the largest of many banners. Since the stadium in Liebenau does not meet the requirements for the premier class, the majority of the 23,205 fans had to make the journey to the Wörthersee Stadium.
Cheered on loudly by the home fans, the Graz team largely managed to keep the favored Belgians away from their own goal in the early stages. The guests had long periods of possession and coach Nicky Hayen’s team patiently looked for holes in the attack defense. In the 16th minute, Tzolis tested storm goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, and a little later the Greek, after an ideal exchange pass from Raphael Onyedika, used the inside bar to sink the ball unstoppably into the far top corner. Full-back Max Johnston made a serious miscalculation.
After conceding the goal, the Ilzer team appeared much braver and had more of the game. However, a Camara roller (26th), a deflected Yalcouye shot (29th) and a blocked Biereth attempt (39th) did not pose much of a goal threat. The second half started evenly, with both teams trying to gain a playful advantage. Then Sturm was able to thank Scherpen, who defused a great chance from the free-standing Jutgla (56th). Moments earlier, the Dutch goalkeeper was also there for a Tzolis shot.
