LINZ, Austria – In a dramatic turn of events at the Hofmann Personal Stadion, Blau-Weiß Linz secured a vital 3-2 victory over SV Ried in a pulsating Austrian Bundesliga encounter on Saturday. The match, a fiercely contested Upper Austrian derby, saw Linz come from behind after falling two goals down early on, ultimately capitalizing on a numerical advantage to claim a crucial three points in their relegation battle.
The win narrows the gap between Blau-Weiß Linz and WAC, the team currently second-to-last in the relegation group, to just four points with eight rounds remaining. This result represents a significant boost for coach Michael Köllner’s side as they fight to avoid the drop.
Ried Takes Early Control
Ried started the match brightly, taking the lead within three minutes through Peter Kiedl. The on-loan Sturm Graz forward confidently converted a penalty awarded after Nico Maier fouled Jonas Mayer in the penalty area. Kiedl doubled Ried’s advantage in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Fabian Rossdorfer to set the visitors firmly in control.
However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically in the 30th minute. Ried midfielder Nicolas Bajlicz was shown a red card following a foul on Alexander Briedl, leaving the visitors to play the majority of the game with ten men. While the foul was initially called as a penalty, a VAR review determined it occurred just outside the box, resulting in a free kick that didn’t trouble the Linz defense.
Linz Mounts a Comeback
Playing with a man advantage, Blau-Weiß Linz emerged from the break with renewed determination. Alexander Briedl ignited the comeback in the 54th minute, unleashing a powerful shot from 18 meters that found the back of the net. Simon Seidl then leveled the score in the 64th minute, heading home after Alem Pasic’s header struck the crossbar.
The momentum had firmly shifted in Linz’s favor. The home side continued to press, creating several opportunities in the Ried penalty area. The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when a foul by Jonas Mayer on Thomas Goiginger resulted in another penalty. Ronivaldo stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home fans.
Coaches Reflect on a Dramatic Derby
“We wanted to win and we have won, that is what ultimately matters,” said Blau-Weiß Linz coach Michael Köllner after the match. “Despite the 0-2 deficit. It was tough, before the start no one bet a Schilling on us, after the 0-2 the last person had no hope in us. I am firmly convinced that we will stay in the league. Three points were necessary today, and we got them.”
Ried coach Maximilian Senft acknowledged the turning point of the match. “The turning point was the red card. Up until then, the team played a great game. With the red card, we – certainly burdened by the 120 minutes on Wednesday – couldn’t cope well enough and deservedly lost the game.” Senft also noted his team’s fatigue, stating, “We could have done better on all levels in the second half – in terms of activity in deep defense, and also in the tactical plan. The team needs a break after this week. We are all really empty today.”
Match Details
Admiral Bundesliga, Qualification Group, Round 24
Blau-Weiß Linz – Ried 3:2 (0:2)
Linz, Hofmann Personal Stadion, 5,595 (sold out), Referee: Christian-Petru Chiochirca
Goals:
- 0-1 (3rd min) Kiedl (penalty)
- 0-2 (18th min) Kiedl
- 1-2 (54th min) Briedl
- 2-2 (64th min) Seidl
- 3-2 (83rd min) Ronivaldo (penalty)
BW Linz: Mantl – Pasic, Maranda, Varesi-Strauss (76’/Goiginger/93’/Fofana) – Reiter, Briedl, Cvetko (40’/Ronivaldo), Bumberger (76’/Riegler) – S. Seidl, Weissman, Maier (92’/Pirkl)
Ried: Leitner – Kirnbauer, Havenaar, Steurer – Rossdorfer (57’/Bajic), Rasner (58’/Maart), Mayer, Nasrawe (46’/Scherzer) – Bajlicz – Kiedl (71’/Mutandwa), Boguo (80’/Van Wyk)
Red Card: Bajlicz (30’, denying a goal-scoring opportunity)
Yellow Cards: Reiter (BW Linz); Rasner, Kiedl, Boguo (Ried)
This victory provides a significant lift for Blau-Weiß Linz as they continue their fight against relegation in the Austrian Bundesliga. The team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on their numerical advantage proved crucial in securing a well-deserved win against their local rivals.
Blau-Weiß Linz will next face [next opponent and date to be confirmed], while Ried will look to bounce back against [next opponent and date to be confirmed].
What do you think of Linz’s comeback win? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
