Sturm eliminates Voitsberg in Styrian derby

SK Sturm Graz is in the round of 16 of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup.

The Graz side won the Styrian derby against second-division side ASK Voitsberg 4-1.

Weiper puts Sturm in the lead

The underdog initially got off to a better start. In the eighth minute, a misguided cross from Tristan Brükk kissed the crossbar.

Sturm, however, struggled to create dangerous chances from open play. But after a free-kick, it happened: Simon Seidl chipped the ball to the far post, Arjan Malic made the ball sharp again, and Nelson Weiper was perfectly positioned. The striker steered the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead (15').

Just two minutes later, the Graz side had a chance for a second goal. Weiper laid the ball off for Luca Weinhandl at the edge of the box, but his shot was saved by Voitsberg goalkeeper Filip Dmitrovic.

The hosts also had opportunities. After a throw-in, Philipp Scheucher fired towards the near post, but Jon Gorenc Stankovic threw himself in the way and prevented the equaliser (21').

Shortly before halftime, Sturm celebrated a second time. After a corner from Seidl and a shot from Weiper, the ball landed with Malic, who scored into the empty net. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside position (40').

Sturm thus went into halftime with a narrow 1-0 lead.

Voitsberg makes life difficult for Sturm

Even after the break, the favourite initially struggled. Malic got a header after a free-kick cross from Seidl, but put it just over the bar (46').

Afterwards, Voitsberg took command in phases, pushing the Graz side deep into their own half. The West Styrians had several set-piece situations but could not capitalise on them.

Sturm decides derby within four minutes

In the 66th minute, Sturm then provided the preliminary decision – and again the goal came somewhat out of nowhere.

Substitute Gizo Mamageishvili brought the ball into the middle, Seedy Jatta let it through for Seidl. The 24-year-old remained cool and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for 2-0.

Just four minutes later, Mamageishvili himself was successful. After a corner from Seidl, Voitsberg failed to clear the ball from the danger zone. Stankovic laid it back to the edge of the box, where Mamageishvili struck with great momentum, making it 3-0 (70').

Shortly thereafter, Dmitrovic repeatedly prevented the 4-0 for the Graz side against Jatta and Mamageishvili (75').

In the final phase, key player Otar Kiteishvili also celebrated his comeback for the "Blackies" after an injury break, but first had to watch as Voitsberg managed to score a consolation goal through Elias Neubauer (83').

Kiteishvili scores on comeback

Four minutes later, however, the Georgian stepped up. After an assist from Matoshi, Kiteishvili put the ball in the net for the 4-1 final score just ten minutes after his substitution (87').

Sturm left nothing to chance and advanced to the round of 16 of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup.

For Voitsberg, action continues next Friday in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga. The promoted side will face Wacker Innsbruck away in a clash of promoted sides.

Sturm will face a much bigger challenge a week later: league leaders and double winners LASK will visit Graz on Sunday.