It was a frustrating fourth matchday in the Europa League for Austria’s two representatives. Sturm Graz created numerous chances against Slovenian champions NK Celje but paid the price for poor finishing and defensive mistakes. Salzburg, meanwhile, struggled for intensity and attacking threat for much of their trip to Brussels.
Sturm Graz: 29 shots, but nothing to show for it
Sturm made an energetic start against Celje, pressing the visitors high up the pitch and creating several opportunities. Nevertheless, the Slovenian side took the lead in the 29th minute. Following a misjudged headed back-pass from Valmir Matoshi, Svit Sešlar found himself clean through against Ammar Helac and finished to make it 1-0.
Oumar Diakité equalised in the 40th minute, but Benjamin Verbič restored Celje’s advantage shortly before half-time. Sešlar extended the lead to 3-1 in the 73rd minute, and Diakité’s second goal deep into stoppage time proved little more than a consolation.
“Very bitter, very disappointing,” admitted Sturm head coach Fabio Ingolitsch. “We put an enormous amount into this match. We had 29 shots, while our opponents had only eight. But in the end, both teams had seven shots on target.”
Where Sturm’s dominance went unrewarded
The statistics suggested a commanding performance from the Austrian side. Sturm enjoyed 61 per cent possession, won 12 corners and registered 29 attempts. Celje, by contrast, needed just eight shots to score three goals. The expected goals figures told a similar story, with Sturm generating approximately 3.0 xG compared with Celje’s 1.3.
The home side regularly worked their way into dangerous areas but struggled to find a clear opening against Celje’s compact defensive block. Numerous attempts were blocked, while individual defensive errors handed the visitors opportunities despite their limited attacking possession. Sturm’s defeat was therefore not simply a matter of missed chances: avoidable mistakes at the other end were just as costly.
Ingolitsch did not believe the underlying attacking approach was the problem. “Fundamentally, I think we created enough openings today,” he said. He also suggested that the demanding schedule might be affecting his players’ composure in decisive moments. “Whether it’s down to individual players, the fact that the boys are playing every three or four days, that we don’t have the options to keep rotating, or perhaps a lack of mental freshness — it’s not easy to pinpoint.”
The coach was equally critical of his team’s defending. “Two goals have to be enough. We simply allowed too much today.”
Ingolitsch urges players to keep believing
Sturm have now gone four competitive matches without a win. Draws against Ried and Wolfsberger AC, followed by their Austrian Cup elimination against Austria Lustenau, have been compounded by another disappointing result.
Ingolitsch nevertheless insisted that his side must remain committed to their approach. “The important thing in a period like this is not to start doubting yourself. You have to stay clear-headed and remain true to what makes you strong.”
Sturm face another demanding test on Sunday when they take on RB Salzburg.
Salzburg struggle to make an impact in Brussels
Salzburg also suffered defeat, although the circumstances were markedly different. In their 2-0 loss to RSC Anderlecht, the visitors failed to register a single shot throughout the first half. Anderlecht won key individual battles and repeatedly threatened Salzburg’s goal through quick combinations and dangerous counterattacks.
Ludwig Augustinsson gave the Belgian side the lead in the 20th minute with a direct free-kick. Goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky subsequently produced several important saves to prevent Salzburg from falling further behind.
Head coach Danny Röhl was particularly unhappy with his team’s first-half display. “We were a little slow to get going in the first half. The opening ten minutes were okay, but then Anderlecht grew into the game and we struggled to put pressure on them without the ball. The best thing about the first half was the scoreline — that we were only 1-0 down.”
Second-half improvement proves insufficient
Salzburg looked more competitive after tactical adjustments at half-time. Haris Tabaković went close with a header, while Tim Drexler later saw his effort saved by Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans.
The visitors finished with 56 per cent possession but managed only eight shots and an expected goals figure of approximately 0.5. Anderlecht recorded 12 attempts and around 2.5 xG. With Salzburg pushing forward late on, Marten Winkler struck on the counterattack to seal the 2-0 victory.
“We were right in the game for 30 minutes and pushed them back a little. Then we went all or nothing, and it’s normal that you leave yourself exposed to counterattacks,” Röhl explained.
Captain Tabaković delivered an even harsher assessment. “It was a thoroughly deserved defeat. Our first half was very poor. They were dominant, we couldn’t get near them and we didn’t create a single chance.”
Both Sturm and Salzburg remain on four points, with four matches left to secure a place in the Europa League knockout phase.
