Thanks to new signing! Lustenau celebrates first Bundesliga win since 2024

Austria Lustenau celebrates their first win of the season on the 3rd matchday of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.

The Vorarlbergers defeat the previously unbeaten Wolfsberger AC 2-1, thus securing their first three points of the season.

Verinac scores a brace on his starting XI debut

Following a tentative start, the hosts settled into the game better. The first significant chance also fell to Lustenau: Dominik Weixelbraun broke through on the right wing and shot from a tight angle. However, Raffael Behounek was perfectly positioned and cleared off the goal line (22').

Just one minute later, the Vorarlbergers finally took the lead. After a catastrophic passing error by Cheick Diabate, Lustenau quickly counter-attacked. Lord Afrifa set up Weixelbraun, who in turn found the onrushing Antonio Verinac. The Croatian finished for the 1-0 lead on his starting XI debut (23').

The goal was subsequently checked by VAR for several minutes. Ultimately, the decision stood – Verinac was narrowly onside.

WAC then found their way into the game better and pushed for an equalizer. Instead, the Carinthians conceded another goal. After their own corner kick, WAC were caught on the break. Seydou Diarra initially only hit the post, from where the ball unluckily bounced off Lukas Gütlbauer's shoulder and directly into the path of Verinac. The 21-year-old tapped in to make it 2-0 (32').

For Verinac, it was a dream debut in the starting XI. The forward was loaned from St. Gallen before the season.

Vrioni pulls WAC back

However, WAC did not give up before half-time. Giacomo Vrioni, who had scored in every competitive match of the season so far, reduced the deficit to 1-2 in stoppage time. Donis Avdijaj played a superb through ball, and Vrioni remained ice-cold in front of Domenik Schierl, slotting into the far corner (45'+4).

Just a few minutes later, another contentious moment arose: After a foul by Seydou Diarra on Fabian Wohlmuth, the referee pointed to the spot. However, VAR intervened because Wohlmuth was offside in the preceding play. The penalty was overturned.

Lustenau thus took a narrow, but not undeserved, lead into the break, given the first 45 minutes.

WAC pushes for the equalizer

WAC coach Thomas Silberberger reacted at half-time with a triple substitution. And the substituted Wolfsberger players immediately created danger: Phillip Verhounig hit the right post from about 18 meters as early as the 48th minute.

Subsequently, an open contest unfolded. Gütlbauer made a good save from an Albin Gashi long-range effort (52'), while at the other end, Verhounig narrowly missed (64').

Lustenau, however, remained extremely dangerous on the break. After a good combination, Verinac was suddenly free in front of Gütlbauer, but chipped too high and missed the goal (65').

Lustenau holds on to the lead

WAC increased the pressure once again in the final phase. Particularly in the 77th minute, the visitors had a great chance to equalize: After a cross, there was chaos in the Lustenau penalty area, and the ball landed at Verhounig's feet. However, the substitute blazed his shot well over the goal.

Lustenau also had chances to seal the win. Among others, Diarra narrowly missed from a tight angle, before Gütlbauer safely saved a header from substitute Precious Benjamin (79').

No further goals were scored. Thus, Austria Lustenau saw out the narrow lead and celebrated a 2-1 victory.

For the Vorarlbergers, it is their first Bundesliga win since May 11, 2024. At that time, Lustenau defeated BW Linz on the penultimate matchday of the 2023/24 season.

With their first win of the season, Lustenau even moved past the Carinthians and is temporarily third. WAC, however, suffered their first defeat after a strong start to the season. After four points from the first two games, the Wolfsbergers temporarily slipped to fourth place.

For Lustenau, the season continues next week on Saturday away against Sturm Graz. WAC has no game next weekend and will only visit GAK in two weeks.

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