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SK Sturm Graz continued their winning streak and celebrated their fifth consecutive Bundesliga victory. The Graz team clearly defeated SKN St. Pölten 3-0 at home. Jantscher (29th), Friesenbichler (70th) and Balaj (77th) ensured with their blows that Sturm would temporarily occupy second place in the table. For SKN today it was the fifth defeat of the season.
Sturm seizes the first big opportunity
The first dangerous chance was for the guests of Lower Austria: Blauensteiner received the ball from Ljubicic, but the full-back fired at an opponent from a good position (6th). There wasn’t much to see from the Grazers who were so strong recently on offense. But as the first half progressed, the home team increased. In the 20th minute, St. Pölten goalkeeper Riegler was able to excel with a long shot from Kuen.
After half an hour, the Grazers took the lead: After Hugi lost the ball, the guests weren’t classified, so Kiteishvili was able to run through midfield unmolested and Jantscher punched with a wonderful pass. The 31-year-old stayed cool in one-on-one with Riegler and hit the leather under the bar: 1-0 (29th). But then the St. Pölten guests came up with something: Shortly before the break, it got tricky for Sturm when Hugi prevailed strongly and served Davies. Siebenhandl reacted strongly and defused the ball before Dante could clear in front of Schmidt, who was ready to shoot.
Storm Strikers Make It All Clear
After the break, the game was balanced and scoring opportunities were rare on both sides. The game was now marked by many discussions and small disputes. Christian Ilzer, in particular, complained loudly today to the referee team. Shortly after the restart, the storm coach also saw yellow. In terms of opportunities, there was still very little in the Merkur Arena.
Until minute 70, when the Pastors quickly changed after a misunderstanding between the guests. Through Friesenbichler and Jantscher the leather reached Andreas Kuen, whose shot could be deflected from the edge of the penalty area. The game device then landed on Kevin Friesenbichler, who scored 2-0 (70th). The final decision was made by substitute Bekim Balaj, who was in place after Jantscher’s free kick – 3-0 (77).
With today’s home win, the Graz team will catapult to second place in the table at least until tomorrow afternoon. In eleven league games, the Styrians conceded just five goals.
Typical Bundesliga, Matchday 12
SK Sturm Graz – SKN St. Pölten 3: 0 (1: 0)
Merkur Arena, Graz; 0 viewers; SR Ebner
Live ticker Sturm Graz vs St. Pölten
Tearing: Jantscher (29.), Friesenbichler (70.), Balaj (77.)
Sturm: Siebenhandl – Ingolitsch (84./Gazibegovic), Nemeth, Wüthrich, Dante – Hierländer, Gorenc-Stankovic (83./Jäger), Kuen (72./Ljubic), Kiteishvili – Friesenbichler (72./Balaj), Jantscher (85 ./Huspek)
St. Pölten: Riegler – Steinwender, Luan, Muhamedbegovic – Blauensteiner (76./Tanzmayr), Luxbacher (79./Asadi), R. Ljubicic, Schulz – Davies, Schmidt, Hugi (76./Schütz)
yellow cards: Ingolitsch (54 °), Wüthrich (56 °), Ilzer (57 ° / coach)
Written by Daniel Ringsmuth; Photo: Richard Purgstaller
