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Grazer Sturm narrowly loses against FC Brugge: a dream goal decides
An exciting duel between the champions ended with a narrow 0-1 defeat for SK Sturm Graz against FC Brugge. Despite efforts, the people of Graz were unable to turn things around. Next opponent: RB Salzburg.
Grazer Sturm narrowly loses against FC Brugge: a dream goal decides
The exciting encounter between SK Sturm Graz and FC Brugge ended in a narrow defeat for the hosts. In front of an impressive crowd of 23,502 spectators, the Belgian team initially dominated and set the first tone in the 16th minute. With a powerful shot from Tzolis, which was parried by Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, the guests showed their offensive strength right from the start. Ten minutes later, however, Tzolis took the early lead with a spectacular goal when he first outwitted the defense and then hit the net with an inside-foot shot.
After Graz struggled to find its way into the game in the first half, they created more chances towards the end of the first half, but the equalizer failed to materialize. Malick Yalcouyé drew attention several times with his speed, but was also denied by SK Sturm's captain Kiteishvili's clever shot, who missed his volley over the goal at half-time.
Sturm tries to turn things around
In the second half, Sturm Graz's players showed more initiative while their opponents tried to keep control of the game. Yalcouyé had the opportunity to maneuver through two opponents in the 53rd minute, but was stopped shortly before the finish. In the 57th minute, however, the guests missed their best chance of the second half when Jutgla's shot was denied by Scherpen's strong save.
In the 80th minute there was again reason for hope for Graz when Tochi Chukwuani narrowly missed the equalizer with his header from a corner. The comeback continued, but in the 87th minute it was once again the Bruges goalkeeper, Mignolet, who kept the goal clean with a strong save against a shot from Geyrhofer.
Although Sturm Graz tried everything in the final phase, there was no equalizer and the match ultimately ended 0-1. Head coach Christian Ilzer's team now continues with an important league game against FC Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday. They also expect a game against the Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon in Klagenfurt in the premier class on October 22nd. The narrow defeat hurts, but it gives the people of Graz motivation to face the challenges ahead.