LASK got off to a stormy start. Sascha Horvath, this time called up on the wing because Valon Berisha got a break, crossed into the middle, but ex-Hartberger Maximilian Entrup’s header missed the goal (2nd). More dangerous to the goal were two unusual misses by the otherwise strong Hartberg goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger when playing out: First, his bad pass landed right at Robert Zulj, but his shot went over the goal (6th), in the next action Sallinger shaved a back pass so that the ball rolled along the goal line (7th).
Sallinger then showed strength with his foot in Florian Flecker’s top chance: After a nice combination, Zulj-Schupfer was the template, Sallinger deflected the shot through his legs with his heel next to the bar (26th).
It was LASK’s only chance before the break. The athletes played slowly and without ideas enough that Hartberger had no problems defending their penalty area. One chance was enough for the guests to take the lead – and the goal repeated a pattern against LASK: a long deep pass was enough, on the second attempt Dominik Prokop brought the ball into the middle against Philipp Ziereis, where Patrik Mijic was alone – 0:1 (45.+1).
Smolcic equalized again
LASK was never able to develop the energy from the second half against Sturm Graz (1:3), but the equalizer was achieved in the same way: Hrvoje Smolcic headed Zulj’s corner – 1:1 (48th).
The athletes played with more risk – and counterattacked against the more agile Hartbergers. Goalkeeper Jörg Siebenhandl parried Donis Avdijaj’s shots twice (55th, 61st). On the other hand, Filip Stojkovic had the opening goal on his feet, but he missed the goal after George Bello’s cross (63′).
The momentum soon faded. LASK played around the Hartberg defense but couldn’t find any gaps. It only became dangerous in standard situations: when substitute Adil Taoui finished, Fabian Wilfinger saved on the line (90th).
ePaper
**Interview with Match Analyst, Julia Meyer, on the LASK Linz vs. TSV Hartberg Match**
**Interviewer:** Julia, the final score was LASK Linz 2, TSV Hartberg 1. What did you think of the team’s performance, especially in the first half?
**Julia:** The first half was quite a struggle for both teams. LASK started aggressively, trying to take control early on, but Hartberg’s goalkeeper, Raphael Sallinger, had some unusual misses that could have cost them dearly. Despite a shaky start, Hartberg managed to defend well and actually took the lead just before halftime with a well-executed counterattack.
**Interviewer:** Yes, that goal seemed critical. Can you walk us through how it unfolded?
**Julia:** Absolutely. The key moment was with Dominik Prokop delivering a long deep pass, and Philipp Ziereis not being able to effectively challenge Patrik Mijic, who found himself all alone in front of the goal. It was a classic case of taking advantage of a defensive lapse. They went into halftime with the momentum, and that could have been a turning point.
**Interviewer:** LASK did manage to equalize quickly in the second half. What changed for them after the break?
**Julia:** They came out with more energy and urgency. The equalizer from Hrvoje Smolcic was a perfect example; he headed in a corner from Robert Zulj. That goal changed the dynamic of the match, and LASK started to push forward more, looking for that winning goal. However, their inability to convert open play chances, despite dominating possession, was evident.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there were some close calls on both sides. Were there any standout players?
**Julia:** Definitely. Raphael Sallinger, despite his early errors, made some crucial saves to keep Hartberg in the game. On LASK’s side, Zulj was vital in instigating plays, but they really struggled with finishing near the goal. Their reliance on set pieces indicated a lack of creativity in breaking down Hartberg’s defense.
**Interviewer:** LASK ultimately managed to secure the win. What do you attribute that last goal to?
**Julia:** It was a combination of persistence and taking advantage of set pieces. In football, sometimes it’s about wearing down the opponent until they crack. LASK continued to press and eventually found a penalty area opening that led to their second goal. Their determination paid off, and that’s invaluable in a close match like this.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Julia. It seems like LASK will need to work on their offensive strategies moving forward.
**Julia:** Absolutely, they need to be more clinical in front of goal and get back to creating those clear opportunities. But a win is a win, and it can definitely boost their confidence.
