LASK provided the answer to the Upper Austrians’ recent troubled days. Linz celebrated a 3-1 home win against serial champions Salzburg, with Marin Ljubicic scoring all the goals
Salzburg’s title mission is faltering. On Friday, the Bulls put in one of their weakest performances in recent years at LASK, losing 3-1 (0-2) and are in danger of being overtaken by Sturm Graz at the top of the Bundesliga champions’ group with six rounds to go on Sunday. Five days after the 1:1 home draw against Rapid, Salzburg delivered another disappointing performance, with the only goal by Nene (84th) coming far too late
LASK, on the other hand, showed a completely different face in their first game after the departure of coach Sageder, especially in terms of efficiency. Ljubicic’s treble (18th/penalty, 26th, 73rd) in the fourth match of the Champions Group was the second win for LASK, this time with Darazs and Ritscher on the sidelines. Linz, who had been denied a license for the coming season in the first instance due to a blunder in the coach selection hours earlier, climbed back to third place, but could be replaced by Rapid on Sunday.
VAR study results in penalty
LASK were not only missing captain Zulj, who was often sorely missed in the spring, but midfielder Horvath also had to miss out due to an ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat to Sturm. However, the most exciting personnel situation was on the bench. Darazs took over as head coach because Ritscher, who was originally presented as Sageder’s successor, does not have the required pro license and can therefore only act as “co”.
The new management duo saw Salzburg start like a fire department and after just a few seconds a top chance for Koita, who formed Salzburg’s forward line together with Konate after Fernando’s absence. However, Koita missed the target alone in front of keeper Lawal. LASK got into the game better after a few minutes and were finally rewarded with a penalty. Guindo had fouled Stojkovic in the penalty area and, after a VAR study, referee Harkam pointed to the spot. Ljubicic gave goalkeeper Schlager no chance and Salzburg were visibly shocked.
At this point, the atmosphere in the arena rose again. It had suffered audibly from the boycott by the “Landstrassler” at the start. The fan group expressed their displeasure at what they saw as arbitrary stadium bans in the wake of the fan action in Graz. During the fan protest against the away kit, objects were thrown onto the pitch, among other things, which led to the game being interrupted and aroused the displeasure of the club management.
However, the atmosphere at the Gugl was to grow even more soon after taking the lead. Ljubicic finished off a quick counter-attack via Bello and Flecker from a few meters out to make it 2:0 and further increase the insecurity of the champions. They looked desperate in attack and often lacked solidity in defense. A committed solo effort from Konate, which Lawal was on hand to deal with, was the most dangerous thing the visitors produced up to the break (40′).
Linzer’s strength dwindling
Salzburg’s anger was clearly noticeable after the break. There were no top chances, however, and the best opportunity fell to Sucic, who shot past team-mate Konate from close range (54′). Once again, however, they allowed themselves delicate ball losses, on which LASK now concentrated almost exclusively. Despite some dangerous actions, the home side were unable to capitalize on this for the time being.
Nor was it necessary. After an hour, Struber brought on fresh forces in the form of Ratkov, Forson and Dedic, but Salzburg’s lack of imagination continued. As did the defensive fragility. Before the final quarter of an hour had even begun, Bello chased the ball away from Dedic just a few meters from the penalty area and fed Ljubicic, who shot in safely for the preliminary decision.
Salzburg at least showed morale and scored a late goal through Joker Nene. It was too late. Shortly before the end of normal time, as Linz’s strength was visibly waning, Lawal thwarted Nene with a brilliant save to prevent the final goal (88′), and minutes later Sucic missed the target from close range (90.+4).
