Kasper Jørgensen put LASK firmly in control with goals in the 19th and 37th minutes. Robert Ljubičić added a third shortly before half-time (44′), while Samuel Adeniran completed the scoring just after the restart (48′). Dietmar Kühbauer’s side now have six points from four matches and sit 15th in the Champions League league phase, giving them a strong chance of reaching the knockout phase play-offs.
Slovan’s biggest weakness exposed three times
Slovan reshuffled their defence for the trip to Linz, deploying three centre-backs and a deep defensive block. The plan was to congest the space in front of their penalty area and prevent LASK from finding opportunities to combine in dangerous positions.
The hosts took a little time to settle but increasingly found ways to get in behind the visitors’ defensive lines. Moses Usor and Samuel Adeniran were particularly effective with their runs into space. One such move involving Usor led to the corner from which Jørgensen headed LASK into the lead in the 19th minute.
Former LASK defender Kevin Wimmer then played an unfortunate part in the second goal. He fouled Ljubičić just outside the penalty area, allowing Jørgensen to score from the resulting free-kick with a low effort into the goalkeeper’s corner. Another set piece produced the third shortly before the break. Following a corner delivered by Sascha Horvath, the ball reached Ljubičić via João Tornich, and the midfielder finished from close range.
Slovan had already struggled to defend dead-ball situations in their opening three Champions League matches. Against LASK, they were again exposed by poor marking and an inability to secure second balls. The Austrian side occupied the decisive spaces more effectively and repeatedly punished their opponents’ lack of organisation.
LASK dominate in open play as well
The three set-piece goals, however, tell only part of the story. LASK were also the superior side in open play, using their pace increasingly effectively as the match progressed.
While Jørgensen and Emmanuel Dibango provided width on the flanks, Horvath, Melayro Bogarde and Ljubičić controlled proceedings in midfield. Slovan struggled to apply sustained pressure to LASK’s build-up, while their own attacks were largely isolated.
The fourth goal highlighted the difference between the teams in transition. Following a turnover, Horvath accelerated the attack and released Adeniran down the left. The forward finished from a tight angle to make it 4-0.
The statistics underline the scale of LASK’s superiority. The hosts enjoyed 60% possession and registered 29 shots to Slovan’s seven. Even more striking were their 44 touches inside the opposition penalty area compared with just 12 for the visitors, alongside an expected goals tally of 4.69 to 0.47.
LASK generated 1.78 xG from set pieces, but an even more impressive 2.91 xG from open play. Far from relying exclusively on dead-ball situations, they repeatedly created high-quality chances against a defence that had set out to sit deep and restrict space.
Kühbauer satisfied, but still sees room for improvement
After scoring their fourth goal, LASK had more than enough opportunities to turn the victory into an even heavier defeat for Slovan. Ljubičić and Usor squandered excellent chances, while substitute Saša Kalajdžić also failed to convert several promising openings.
The closing stages were particularly dramatic. In stoppage time, Andrés Andrade struck the crossbar with a deflected effort before Kalajdžić sent the rebound against the post with a diving header.
“We could have scored even more goals,” Kühbauer acknowledged afterwards, although the LASK coach was delighted with his team’s overall performance. Captain Horvath explained that the early goals had given the players increasing confidence.
The quality of the opposition must also be considered when assessing the result. Slovan have now conceded 17 goals in their first four Champions League matches and remain bottom of the standings without a point. Kühbauer admitted that the Slovak champions might not have been at their best, while also stressing the level of competition involved.
For LASK, the victory followed their surprise 3-2 away win against Sporting CP and marked their second consecutive Champions League success. The Austrian side have put themselves in an excellent position in the race for the knockout phase play-offs.
Their next assignment is Saturday’s Upper Austrian derby away to SV Ried, before a Champions League trip to Bodø/Glimt on November 24. Slovan, meanwhile, host AS Trenčín in domestic competition before facing Real Betis in Europe.
