SK Sturm defeated TSV Hartberg 2-0. Substitute Weiper scored both goals, each off an assist from Seidl.
Sturm secured its first Bundesliga victory of the season in its second outing. The runner-up won Saturday’s Styrian derby at TSV Hartberg’s Profertil Arena 2–0 (0–0). Both goals were scored by “super sub” Weiper (69th, 81st). While the Graz-based team, which had drawn 1-1 at WSG Tirol in its season opener, now has four points, the East Styrian side, under returning coach Schopp, remains one of only two teams without any points.
Sturm coach Ingolitsch opted against a major lineup shake-up following Wednesday’s 0–2 loss in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League at Fenerbahçe Istanbul. Balbo and Mamageishvili were given their first starts, while Soglo and Seidl remained on the bench initially but went on to play key roles in setting up the goals. Former TSV veteran Heil also started and was honored before the match. For TSV, there were also two new faces compared to the 0-1 loss in Salzburg: defender Spendlhofer, returning from injury, and forward Gattermayer.
There was no noticeable difference in quality before halftime. Sturm’s Jeyland Mitchell had to make a last-ditch tackle to save the day in a duel with Hoffmann (23rd minute). Wilfinger also took a shot for TSV (36′). For Sturm, Hartberg goalkeeper Pecsi stopped a shot by Hödl (36′); a goal by Gattermayer was disallowed for a narrow offside (39′); and Mamageishvili headed the ball into the side netting (45’+1). After the break, the scene that likely decided the game occurred in the 60th minute. Schopp, the coach’s son, pulled Hödl’s jersey and was rightly shown a yellow-red card for repeated foul play.
Golden Substitutions
Ingolitsch brought on three fresh legs—Weiper, Soglo, and Seidl—significantly revitalizing the Graz offense. Weiper headed a Seidl cross into the net. Pecsi initially prevented a second goal by stopping a Soglo shot from a tight angle (73′). The second goal came in the 81st minute, and once again, all the substitutes were involved. After a Soglo corner, the ball was played around several times before Seidl sent a low pass into the middle, where Weiper was able to slot it home unmarked.
After that, the away victory could have been even more lopsided. Pecsi stopped a shot by Hödl (85′). A penalty call following an alleged foul by Spendlhofer on Weinhandl was rescinded by referee Weinberger after a VAR review. In stoppage time, Kayombo also squandered a golden opportunity. Nevertheless, Hartberg’s last victory against Sturm remains five years in the past. Sturm gained confidence heading into Tuesday’s return leg against Fenerbahçe (8:30 p.m.).
