The reward for SK Sturm’s strong season, including the runner-up title, is international business. The Grazers have at least the group stage in the Europa League already firmly in their pockets and are even fighting for a place in the Champions League in the third qualifying round.
There, coach Christian Ilzer’s team could face an old acquaintance. AEK Larnaka, a painful stumbling block for Sturm four years ago, is one of the possible opponents. When qualifying for the 2018 Europa League, the Styrians slipped into disgrace. A 2-0 home defeat was followed by a 5-0 away defeat in Cyprus. Storm fans have probably not forgotten this pitch-black day.
The chance of a revenge is currently still theoretical. Larnaka and Fenerbahce are Dynamo Kyiv’s possible opponents in the second round. A duel against Sturm is only possible with a win against the Ukrainians. PSV Eindhoven, Benfica Lisbon and Glasgow Rangers, on the other hand, are already firmly in the third qualifying round – so a real hit could be waiting for Sturm anyway.
