Zauberer Kalajdzic leads LASK to crucial win over Hartberg in Austrian Bundesliga title race

Sasa Kalajdzic earned his nickname “Zauberer” (magician) with a moment of magic that helped propel LASK to a vital 5-1 victory over TSV Hartberg on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The Austrian striker scored twice, including a stunning strike from the halfway line that made it 5-1, as LASK maintained their position at the summit of the Austrian Bundesliga title race.

The match, played at the TSV Hartberg stadium, began with LASK asserting early dominance. Xavier Mbuyamba opened the scoring in the 5th minute, followed by Kalajdzic’s first goal in the 30th minute to make it 2-0. Moses Usor extended the lead just after halftime in the 46th minute before Hartberg pulled one back through Elias Havel in the 48th minute.

LASK restored their three-goal advantage when Christoph Lang scored in the 92nd minute, setting up Kalajdzic for his second goal of the match in the 95th minute. The striker’s late goal came from the halfway line, a moment of individual brilliance that encapsulated his impact on the game and earned him the “Zauberer” moniker from Austrian media.

The victory was significant in the context of the title race, with LASK maintaining their position at the top of the table. According to the Austrian Bundesliga standings following the match, LASK remained level on points with Sturm Graz, both teams having 30 points from 29 matches played. The win came at a crucial time, with only three rounds remaining in the season.

LASK’s performance demonstrated their credentials as genuine title contenders. The team showed resilience after Hartberg’s goal, responding with two late goals to secure a comfortable victory. Kalajdzic’s contribution was particularly noteworthy, with his two goals highlighting his importance to the team’s attacking threat.

Looking ahead, LASK face a pivotal phase in their title defense. With Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg too in contention, every point becomes crucial in the final stretch of the season. The team’s next match will be a key test of their title credentials as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the table.

For continued updates on the Austrian Bundesliga title race and LASK’s pursuit of the championship, fans are encouraged to follow official club communications and reputable sports news sources.