LASK were the only Austrian team to qualify for the European Cup and will now compete in the Europa League group stage. There, the Linzers will hope for duels against the top representatives of the competition.
First Zrinjski Mostar, then Liverpool? LASK are the only red-white-red representatives to have successfully survived the European Cup qualifiers and earned a place in the Europa League group stage. The Linz side prevailed in the play-off against the Bosnian champions with an aggregate score of 3-2, even if there was a bit of trepidation in the return leg 1-1 in Mostar. “A huge success for us, the team and the whole club,” said goalscorer Robert Zulj.
The Upper Austrians fell 1-0 behind against struggling Bosnians on Thursday, but a long-range strike from Branko Jovicic ensured coach Thomas Sageder’s side progressed. “It was an incredibly intense game, not a pretty game. Play-wise we could have been better,” added Zulj, who, however, praised the comeback qualities of the Linz side. Sageder was also relieved. “I am proud of my boys, they fought until the end. A cool team performance. We are just overjoyed to have entered the Europa League group stage,” the coach told ORF.
Zulj hopes Liverpool
Millions in bonuses now beckon in the Europa League. The entry fee is 3.63 million euros, and due to the good club coefficient, the Linzers can also look forward to a further 2.5 million euros. A win in the group stage is worth 630,000 euros, a draw is worth 210,000 euros.
Big names of European football like Liverpool, AS Roma, Ajax Amsterdam or West Ham United could be waiting as opponents. In any case, captain Zulj already has one wish. “We played the game today so that we could progress and play Liverpool in the group stage. “
