LASK vs GAK: Overcoming frustration in the duel between the traditional clubs!

LASK vs GAK: Overcoming frustration in the duel between the traditional clubs!

On Saturday at 5 p.m., LASK will face GAK 1902 in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga. After the bitter defeat in the ÖFB Cup semi-final against RZ Pellets WAC, where LASK was eliminated on penalties, the team is under pressure to achieve success in the league. LASK's declared goal is to reduce the frustration over missing the cup final and get the three points against the relegation-threatened Graz in order to maintain their comfortable lead in the qualifying group oe24 reported.

Coach Markus Schopp describes the past few days as particularly challenging and emphasizes the need to now look forward. Internal competition should motivate the players, while patience, determination, discipline and mindfulness are particularly required in the game against the GAK. LASK has achieved four wins in the last five league games and is therefore well on the way to the play-offs, as Philipp Ziereis, the captain, also emphasizes. However, LASK has to do without some injured players: Moses Usor, Lukas Jungwirth and the suspended George Bello are not available, he added League portal.

The duel of the coaches

On the other hand, GAK goes into the game with its new head coach Ferdinand Feldhofer. Under his leadership there was a 0-0 draw against WSG Tirol at the start of the final round. Feldhofer is aware of the challenges and wants to bring intensity to the team. He sees LASK as a “sleeping giant” and believes in their future successes. However, Schopp and Feldhofer are equal in terms of coaching records; both have had two wins and four draws against each other in their careers so far. This history could affect the gameplay, as well Transfer market shows.

The situation on the GAK side is tense: the team is only one point ahead of bottom team Altach. Feldhofer demands that his team respect LASK’s “now-first-right” mentality and not act as “nice guys”, but rather to play both fairly and aggressively.

History and statistics

LASK and GAK have already played against each other twice so far this season. The first meeting ended with a 4-2 win for LASK, while the second leg ended 0-0. Historically, the two teams have played each other 126 times in the top league, with the first game taking place in August 1951 when LASK won 2-1. LASK has not lost a home game against a current promoted team since 2017 and will do everything in its power to continue this series.

For the fans of both teams, the meeting on Saturday will be an exciting and trend-setting duel. In addition, the history behind this traditional duel creates a special atmosphere in the stadium.