SK Sturm dreams of a historic coup

Austria’s double winner SK Sturm Graz warmed up for its fifth appearance in the Football Champions League with a 7-0 victory over Austria Klagenfurt and, under the direction of interim coach Jürgen Säumel, underlined its intention to also be in the premier class. finally write down.

After four defeats en suite (1:2 at Brest, 0:1 against Bruges, 0:2 against Sporting, 0:1 in Dortmund), the Catalan representatives FC are waiting in front of more than 25,000 visitors in Klagenfurt on Wednesday (6.45 p.m., Canal+). Girona, who recently celebrated their third success in a row with a 4-1 win over Espanyol Barcelona.

So the grapes hang pretty high. “The Champions League is a different story, we know that,” said Säumel, who is very popular with the fans and has a definite chance of being promoted to head coach. “My job is to detach myself from this emotional story and make a decision as rationally as possible. It is by no means ruled out that Jürgen will remain coach,” said the new sports director Michael Parensen.

First win since September 2001?

If Graz still wants to make it into the top 24, which means reaching the play-offs, something historic is needed. To date there has been no victory in six duels with a Spanish representative; a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in November 2021 was the highest of feelings. The Blackies’ last triumph or point win in the Champions League was a long time ago.

On September 20, 2001, Panathinaikos Athens was beaten away 2-1. The goals were scored by current LASK coach Markus Schopp (25th) and Mario Haas (42nd).

FC Girona is of a different caliber than the Greeks, even if the club, which cooperates with Manchester City, had to record two sensitive departures after an outstanding 2023/24 season. Top scorer Artem Dovbyk moved to AS Roma for 30.5 million euros, while central midfielder Aleix Garcia moved to German champions Bayer Leverkusen for 18 million euros. These 18 million were reinvested in the commitment of the Colombian right-winger Yaser Asprilla.

Salah ist “not amused”

The hit of the round will take place on Wednesday (9 p.m., Sky) in the stadium at Anfield Road, where the impeccable CL league leaders FC Liverpool welcome defending champions Real Madrid. The guests come without star striker Vinicius Junior, who has to take a break for several weeks due to a muscle injury in his left leg.

The English team has everything going well in terms of sport, but striker Mohamed Salah complains about a lack of respect. The 32-year-old Egyptian’s contract expires in the summer of 2025. “I haven’t received an offer from the club yet. So I’m probably more out than in,” said Salah.