Joppich after West Derby: "Good advertising for the 2. Liga"

In front of a sold-out stadium, Austria Salzburg secured a narrow derby victory against Wacker Innsbruck. However, there wasn't only positive news:

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The first West Derby in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga 2026/27 has been decided!

In the IMMOunited match of the 9th round, Austria Salzburg narrowly defeated Wacker Innsbruck 1-0 at Tivoli in front of around 16,000 spectators. Christian Gebauer was the man of the match with his decisive goal. To the match report >>>

Schaider proud of his team

After the final whistle, the Salzburg players were overjoyed. Head coach Christian Schaider ran directly to his own fans: "The team has a top character to win such games. They gave it their all. As a coach, you can be proud of that."

Even though Wacker came close to equalizing in the final phase, Schaider expressed satisfaction with the performance to "ORF": "We controlled the game for long stretches, were very good against the ball. After the goal, it was clear that Innsbruck would throw everything forward."

The decision ultimately came from a set piece. Former Bundesliga professional Gebauer converted a free-kick cross with a header to make it 1-0 and secure the winning goal.

Appeal to the fans

However, not everything was good for Schaider and co. despite the victory. The Salzburg coach had a cup thrown at his head by a child and visibly had a scratch on his nose.

He sharply criticized this: "The atmosphere was great, but if a coach gets a cup thrown at his head, that's not worthy of the game. We set an example of fair play on the pitch, but then the children must also adhere to it. This is about upbringing, it is extremely concerning."

Great Atmosphere

Otherwise, the atmosphere in the stands was outstanding. Both fan groups showed their support for their players with choreographies.

Wacker veteran Alexander Joppich also noted: "I am very proud of our state, our club. We are back. Such an atmosphere and such a game are great advertising for the 2. Liga."

Nevertheless, there was disappointment among the Tyroleans over the lost points. "It's a shame that we leave the pitch as losers," said head coach Sebastian Siller.

"Our chance conversion was not good; in a derby, you have to be more clinical. Thus, the victory was undeserved. But Wacker has always proven in recent years that they bounce back. And we will do that again after this derby defeat," said the coach.

In the standings, both teams remain in the absolute top tier. Salzburg is fourth, with Wacker directly behind them in fifth place. ADMIRAL 2. Liga Standings>>>