Hartberg in the European Cup play-off, descent-DiePresse.com

A round before the end of the qualification group in the Bundesliga The TSV Hartberg has booked its ticket for the European Cup play-off semi-final against the LASK. On Saturday, the Styrians prevailed after 0-1 deficit against WSG Tyrol thanks to an own goal by Valentino Müller (71.), Muharem Huskovic (83.) and Jed Drew (92.) with 3: 2 (0: 1). A round before the end of the second championship phase cannot be taken away in second place.

The decision in the relegation battle is only made in the season finale. The SCR Altach and the Klagenfurter Austria separated 0-0 on Saturday while the Gak The LASK defeated 1-0 overnight. The Grazers now have three points lead over the bottom of Klagenfurt, Altach is one point ahead of the Carinthia. Hartberg fixed second place in the qualification group with a 3-2 home win against WSG Tyrol and won the European Cup play-off ticket against LASK.

In the final round next Friday, Klagenfurt welcomes Hartberg, Altach has to go to the LASK and the GAK will travel to Tyrol for the WSG. Rapid Sturm Graz welcomes in the master group on Sunday, the WAC has the Wiener Austria as a guest, while Salzburg is a guest at Blau-Weiß Linz.

Hartberg coach with the right change

On May 26, this will be a duel between the LASK and the TSV in Linz. The winner can try the fifth of the master group in the first and second leg for a place in the Conference League qualification. The WSG, which deservedly led after a strong first half and a goal by Lukas Hinterseer, would have needed at least a win to stay in the race for the EC play-off. The late compensation of Bror Blume (89th) could no longer bring about a change.

From the beginning, the guests showed that they did not want to rest on the recent relegation. Equipped with more possession and train to the gate, the Tyroleans deservedly in the lead in the 27th minute after a ball loss from YouUba Diarra through Hinterser and almost increased a little later. The supposed 2: 0 by Valentino Müller was not recognized due to an offside position by assistant Quincy Butler (34th).

TSV coach Manfred Schmid reacted before the break with the exchange of Diarras for Jürgen Heil, during the break the offensive trio Donis Avdijaj, Patrik Mijic and Dominik Prokop had to give way. Huskovic, Marco Hoffmann and Drew came for them and immediately caused a stir. Hoffmann cheered in the 51st minute over the equalization, but this was also withdrawn.

Hartberg was now the game -determining team, but it was difficult to play chances. So an own goal from Müller was needed. This was once again checked by referee Alain Sadikovski because of a possible foul by Drew at the WSG captain, but held this time. In a turbulent final phase, Drew ensured the hosts’ victory with a shot in the empty goal after a defense person. For the WSG, only one point is available after four seasonuas with the TSV. (APA)