The promoted team won the duel for third place against WSG Tirol 3:2 (2:1) in the qualifying round on Saturday and goes into the last two rounds three points behind second-placed WAC.
In the duel between the two clubs, which had been free of the relegation battle for a week, the Linz team clearly dominated the game from the middle of the first half. The increasing pressure from the home team also led to chances, Ronivaldo (23rd) and Conor Noß (26th) missed the first ones. In the 27th minute, Simon Seidl went down after a challenge with David Gugganig, but referee Julian Weinberger reversed the penalty decision after a VAR check.
Ronivaldo mit dem 1:0
Shortly afterwards, the 5,000 fans in the stadium on the Donaulände were able to cheer. A Pirkl cross went past friend and foe and landed at Ronivaldo, who scored his tenth goal of the season (31st). A carelessness in the blue and white defense allowed the Tyroleans to equalize, Nik Prelec was able to head in a cross from the five-man unhindered (40th).
Gerald Scheiblehner’s team still went into the break with a lead because Manuel Maranda was right in the 42nd minute. WSG goalkeeper Adam Stejskal fended off a Pasic shot, the ball bounced to the central defender’s leg and from there into the goal.
Linz didn’t let off the gas in the second half either and increased the score to 3-1 (51′) thanks to a deflected shot from Kristijan Dobras. After a good hour, the Tyroleans increased their offensive efforts, initially without becoming dangerous. After a nice combination, Denis Tomic managed to score the next goal (77th). However, the guests no longer had a chance to equalize.
