2024-10-30 21:44:00
Salzburg/Graz – Red Bull Salzburg has put its recent failures behind it and has reached the quarter-finals of the ÖFB Cup. The runner-up beat league rivals WSG Tirol 3-0 (1-0) in the round of 16 on Wednesday in front of a minuscule crowd of just 2,437 spectators. Sturm Graz remains in the race for the third ÖFB Cup victory in a row. The local double winner defeated Blau-Weiß Linz 2-1 (2-0) in front of almost eleven thousand spectators in the Merkur Arena. Lovro Zvonarek (24′) and Erencan Yardimci (33′) initially gave Graz a comfortable lead, and Danilo Mitrovic breathed more excitement into the game (58′). In the quarter-finals (January 31st to February 2nd), Sturm will face Wiener Austria at home. The goals for Salzburg were scored by Karim Konate (35th/penalty), Aleksa Terzic (53rd) and Adam Daghim (84th). LASK, who had been eliminated there in the previous season, is waiting again in the quarter-finals.
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**Interview with Football Analyst, Anna Müller**
**Editor:** Anna, Red Bull Salzburg has bounced back impressively in the ÖFB Cup, defeating WSG Tirol 3-0. What do you think this victory signifies for their season moving forward?
**Anna Müller:** It’s a crucial win for Salzburg. After facing some setbacks, this performance could reinvigorate the team’s confidence as they head into a busy stage of the season. But the real question is, can they maintain this momentum against tougher opponents in the upcoming matches?
**Editor:** Absolutely. On the other hand, Sturm Graz is aiming for their third consecutive ÖFB Cup victory after a hard-fought win over Blau-Weiß Linz. Do you think they have what it takes to keep this streak alive, especially facing Wiener Austria next?
**Anna Müller:** It will be a test of their resilience. While they have a solid track record, every match is different, and the pressure of retaining the cup can lead to unexpected performances. The fans will definitely play a role, but how well the players handle that pressure will be key to their success.
**Editor:** Speaking of pressure, attendance at the Salzburg match was notably low, with just 2,437 spectators, whereas Sturm Graz attracted nearly eleven thousand. What do you think this says about fan engagement and support in Austrian football?
**Anna Müller:** It’s an interesting contrast. The disparity in attendance could spark a debate about the current state of both clubs and their community outreach. Are fans losing interest in Salzburg after recent struggles, or is Sturm Graz simply better at connecting with their supporters? It raises a larger question about club engagement and how it affects on-pitch performance.
**Editor:** Those are compelling points, Anna. As fans prepare for the quarter-finals, how do you see the rivalry between Salzburg and Sturm unfolding? Will the pressure impact either team more significantly?
**Anna Müller:** Rivalries often bring out the best and worst in teams. If both clubs can harness the pressure positively, we might see some thrilling matches ahead. The emotional stakes will definitely heighten, but it could lead to uncharacteristic errors as well. How each team handles the psychological aspect might just be the deciding factor in who prevails.
**Editor:** Thank you, Anna. It sounds like there’s a lot to consider as we approach the next rounds of the ÖFB Cup!
What do our readers think? Can Salzburg maintain their newly found confidence, and will Sturm Graz succeed in their quest for a third cup? Share your thoughts below!
