Successful EL Opener! Sturm Grabs a Draw Against Rennes

Two Goals, Twice Disallowed

After an even start, the supposed 1-0 for the visitors from France came in the eighth minute. The Graz side failed to clear a corner, allowing Thomasson to put the ball into the net. However, VAR intervened because a Rennes player's teammate had made contact with the ball with his hand. The goal was disallowed.

Rennes remained the better team. After just over half an hour, the Graz side celebrated, but their joy was short-lived. Heil took a free-kick, which Quarshie headed on to Koller, who then headed it into the goal. However, this goal was also disallowed due to an offside position. The lead would not have been truly deserved.

Despite the disallowed goal, the hosts gained momentum before the break, but after 45 minutes plus three minutes of added time, they went into the changing rooms goalless.

Rennes with a Clear Advantage in Chances

Both teams started the second half well, and in the 55th minute, the visitors came close to taking a 1-0 lead. A header narrowly missed Khudyakov's goal. A few minutes later, Sturm had a huge chance when Hödl found himself alone in front of goalkeeper Samba, who saved his chip (58.).

Chances arose on both sides, but the visitors recorded a clear advantage, posing a threat significantly more often. Goalkeeper Khudyakov, in particular, distinguished himself multiple times, always maintaining composure even in precarious situations.

Over the course of the match, the difference in class was certainly noticeable, especially in possession, where the composure and control of the French top team were clearly evident. However, in the 84th minute, Sturm created a top chance through substitute Seidl, who tried to find the near post from the left, but Samba cleared for a corner.

Late Offensive Goes Unrewarded

The corner kick also became extremely dangerous; despite the goalkeeper already being beaten, Ingolitsch's team couldn't get the ball into the net. In the final phase, the intensity truly picked up again. Sturm, in particular, pushed for a goal, but after a corner in the 88th minute, Hödl's shot went well wide.

The Graz side threw everything forward, but the French managed to defend all attempts. The match ended goalless, but Sturm Graz can still be very satisfied with the result.