"That was an opponent with a lot of quality, we knew that - and they made us feel it in possession," analyzed Heil. "They made us run a lot."
And when we did have the ball, ultimately too little came of it. "Of course, the moments in possession were missing - no need to discuss that," the summer signing from Hartberg openly stated.
Was Sturm intimidated by the atmosphere?
Perhaps the Graz team was a bit too intimidated by the atmosphere at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul at the start of the game. At least Sturm coach Ingolitsch was impressed by the atmosphere:
"The atmosphere was very special. Personally, I've never experienced a game where it was so loud, where the crowd had such a special character. Everyone needs time to adapt to that."
No white flag: "We're still alive"
What is still positive looking ahead to the second leg: the improved second half.
In this half, Sturm put up a significantly better fight against the Turks, creating a few decent chances - even if it's fair to note that Sturm keeper Daniil Khudyakov prevented an even heavier defeat with brilliant saves.
"We're still alive, we're still here," Heil declared defiantly ahead of the second leg next Tuesday (from 8:30 PM in the LIVE ticker) in Graz-Liebenau.
What needs to change for Sturm
What needs to change in the second leg? Ingolitsch wants a "braver, more aggressive, higher-pressing" Sturm team that ideally scores an early goal.
Then even a miracle might be possible. "Of course, even as an underdog, with a smaller budget, you can beat a big team," said Ingolitsch.
Tough draw for Sturm in a potential Champions League playoff >>>
