In the end, Markus Schopp’s team had to falter by one point. Valon Berisha (26th) and returnee Florian Flecker (49th) presented, the Swedes had answers ready thanks to August Priske (57th) and Tokmac Nguen (65th).
The fact that LASK remained unbeaten for the fourth time in a row was little consolation. The mood was subdued, and not just because of the way the game was going. The organized fan scene remained silent in protest against the high ticket prices (68 euros/long side). The stadium was half full with 8,500 spectators. In the second of six league phase games in the reformed competition, LASK will visit Olimpija Ljubljana on October 23rd, which lost 2-1 in Heidenheim.
Usor retired injured early on
Schopp trusted the starting eleven from the 1-1 draw at Rapid, but had to make a change early on. During his comeback after a broken fibula, Flecker replaced Moses Usor on the right wing, who got stuck in the grass while dribbling (10th). The LASK coach prepared his team for “a strong opponent” who spared some regular players before the last five rounds of the championship.
Cheered on by their fans, Sweden’s second force dominated the action with long periods of possession. The people of Linz didn’t allow much and relied on quick lectures. A coordination problem in Djurgården’s defense gave them the lead (26th). Adam Stahl let a cross from Filip Stojkovic through, behind his back Berisha was quicker on the ball than goalie Oscar Jansson and scored from a difficult angle while turning.
Things continued with little chance. In the 47th minute, LASK survived a difficult situation unscathed. Philipp Ziereis initially blocked a cross into Besard Sabocic’s legs, but cleared the following shot for his defeated goalie Jörg Siebenhandl in front of the line. Two minutes later, LASK extended their lead. Flecker refined a nice attack over a few stations. The offensive man went past the goalie after Ljubicic’s pass and scored precisely (49′).
Triple exchange brought about a change
But the momentum should still change. The Stockholm team played through on the right, but the Linz defense couldn’t prevent the Stangl pass. Priske, who was lurking in front of the goal, successfully held out his foot (57th). Schopp had made three changes immediately beforehand. After the goal, the guests also brought in four new players.
The LASK wavered. Siebenhandl was there to defend against substitute Nguen (63′). The next time they were careless, the guests equalized. Nguen, who was not attacked, beat Siebenhandl with a slightly deflected long-range shot (65′). After that, the Upper Austrians had to worry about losing one point, but fought their way back into the game at the end. Horvath found Linz’s last good chance with a blocked dropkick (82′).
