Ländle Derby: What Lustenau Did Better Than Altach

Early Pressure Fended Off

The early phase clearly belonged to the visitors, who had travelled to Lustenau under pressure as the bottom team in the table. "Altach went into the game with enormously high expectations – they knew we were vulnerable," said Lustenau coach Markus Mader.

His team had squandered a 1-0 lead at Austria Wien late last week – a derby defeat would have seen Altach overtake them in the table.

The first really good chance in the derby, for a high-pressing Altach, fell to Patrick Greil in the 19th minute – Schierl saved. Subsequently, Lustenau found their way into the game better. "After that save, you immediately noticed: We gained confidence," Schierl said.

Coach Markus Mader was also aware that Altach was initially better in the game. But: They remained calm, tried to give input on the defensive line's height. That seemed to pay off. However, Lustenau's success had an even simpler reason: Lustenau was – unlike on some previous matchdays – efficient.

The Difference: Efficiency

"That was the difference," found sporting director Dieter Alge. The first half-hour belonged to Altach – who, in turn, had the problem of being too harmless up front. A problem, then, that Austria had often struggled with before.

"Today we were more efficient – the goals were also really well-worked. I think it was a deserved victory." Mader also spoke of two dream goals, saying they were outstanding.

The aforementioned goals were scored by Antonio Verinac with a header in the 36th minute, and Dominik Weixelbraun added another in first-half stoppage time, set up by Verinac.

"It says 2-0," he said after the game, pointing to the scoreboard. "We fought, we gave everything, we left our heart and soul on the pitch. In the end, we were efficient, and that's enough."

test — Konnte applaudieren: Markus Mader freute sich über den Derbysieg
Foto: ©GEPA

Coach Mader was completely satisfied after the derby win. "We finally rewarded ourselves for an ambitious performance – we hadn't managed that lately. Today, everything came together: from the game plan, to defending high, to the defensive performance – we barely allowed anything. That makes us very proud."

Positive Interim Assessment

Lustenau had wanted to take stock – as they emphasized since the start of the season – for the first time during the international break. With eight points on the board and a derby win, the interim assessment is not all that bad.

"Of course, this is a great starting position now. We would have wanted those eight points against WSG already, then we wouldn't have been under so much pressure today," Alge recalled a 0-4 thrashing on matchday five. Therefore: "Today, a huge burden has been lifted from us."

They are the promoted team, having assembled a squad of many second-division players, Mader reminded. "You have to give us time for the players to develop and get used to the pace. I haven't felt for a second that the club is getting restless."

Conversely, Lustenau's coach also knew: "If you lose the derby at home, it would have been a bitter three weeks. This way, it's a great three weeks."

One man's joy is another man's sorrow: For bottom-placed Altach, it will get really uncomfortable now at the latest.