Perfect Blau-Weiß Season Start: Still Too Early to Dream

Four games, four wins, and a goal difference of 12:1. Blau-Weiß Linz could hardly start the season better.

Thanks to the clear 5:1 victory in the IMMOunited top match of the 4th round, the Linzers continue to lead the table.

Match Report: Blau-Weiß Continues Winning Streak, Clearly Defeats Voitsberg>>>

Two Scares Against the "Goal Factory"

That it would turn out to be such a clear game in the end was not apparent at first. It could have turned out very differently if former Blau-Weiß second division top scorer Fabian Schubert's goal had counted after only eight (!) seconds.

However, referee Stefan Macanovic disallowed the goal - which would have been the fastest in LigaZwa history - due to handball.

Shortly thereafter, Fabio Varesi-Strauss saved a dangerous situation after another Oelz uncertainty.

By then, the Voitsberg offense, so accurate in their promotion year, had almost struck twice. "In the Regionalliga, they were a goal factory," Blau-Weiß coach Michael Köllner knew before the match. He also addressed the size and physicality that the Styrians brought with them. Attributes that visibly challenged Blau-Weiß, especially after the early scares.

Finding Success on the Counter

Voitsberg had the better start to the game, but then the hosts took the lead with their first successful action, increasingly took control, and ultimately deservedly won.

Because they capitalized on their chances clinically and Köllner had prepared his team well for Voitsberg's strengths.

The "Stahlstädter" also sat deep this time and launched lightning-fast counter-attacks. Four of the five goals ultimately resulted from this - even the penalty won by Kreiker was preceded by a counter-attack.

The Linzers also performed strongly in defense. The towering back three, consisting of captain Fabio Varesi-Strauss (1.95m), Manuel Maranda (1.88m), and birthday boy Alem Pasic (29; 1.94m), confidently dealt with the Styrians' high balls.

Thoughts of 1995/96

Thus, the "Stahlstädter" could celebrate three points in their fourth league game of the season.

Among fans, following such a successful start to the season, nostalgic memories of the direct re-promotion of predecessor club FC Linz in 1995/96 are already circulating. The even stronger unity within and around the club after the relegation further contributes to this.

Relegation as an Opportunity, Victories as a "Snapshot"

One wants to open a new chapter, to see relegation as an opportunity, Köllner emphasized once again before the match against Voitsberg. So far, they are well on their way to seizing it. "The team understood it, the club understood it, and in the end, the fans feel it too," as Köllner explained.

And the Blau-Weiß faithful have rewarded this so far with impressive season ticket sales and a sold-out Donauparkstadion twice. If they continue to ride this wave of success, little will change.

However, in Linz, one also knows: The season is still far too long to harbor title dreams. "This is just a snapshot," as Köllner put it. Should they completely mess up a game, things can quickly go in the other direction.

"We have to follow up against Kapfenberg," the 56-year-old is aware, looking ahead to the upcoming league match next Friday (6:30 PM/LIVE on stream at LAOLA1).

"Roni" Could Be Back Soon

However, they will have to do without Anton Tsarenko there. The talented Ukrainian player was sent off for a professional foul against Voitsberg. How long he will ultimately be suspended is up to the disciplinary committee.

However, there is also positive news: Ronivaldo, who is currently in a cast after breaking his elbow, is expected to be available again as early as the UNIQA ÖFB Cup match against Wacker Innsbruck (September 5).