Linz, Austria – The LASK and TSV Hartberg played to a 0-0 draw on Friday evening, opening the Meistergruppe (Championship Round) of the Austrian Bundesliga. The result leaves the LASK temporarily atop the table, whereas Hartberg climbs to fifth.
The match at the Raiffeisen Arena saw both teams make personnel adjustments ahead of the contest. LASK was without defender Joao Tornich and forward Krystof Danek due to injury and captain Sascha Horvath was absent for personal reasons – he recently became a father. Christoph Lang filled in for Horvath in central midfield. Hartberg was forced to replace defensive leader Lukas Spendlhofer, who was sidelined due to illness. Manfred Schmid opted for Musibau Aziz alongside Havel in attack, instead of Marco Hoffmann.
A Cautious Start at the Raiffeisen Arena
From the outset, a patient approach seemed likely for the LASK. Hartberg entered the match boasting the second-best defense in the league, having conceded only 24 goals, and looked to threaten on the counter through the pace of Havel. The LASK loanee – Hartberg intends to exercise their purchase option – is still awaiting his eleventh league goal of the spring season.
The home side created the first clear opportunity of the match. Samuel Adeniran narrowly missed connecting with a sharp cross from Kasper Jörgensen in the 5th minute. This proved to be the most significant moment of excitement for a considerable period, as much of the play unfolded in midfield. Havel went down in the penalty area but was cautioned for simulation.
For 35 minutes, neither team registered a shot on target, before Lang forced Hartberg goalkeeper Tom Hülsmann into a save with a powerful effort. LASK then built some momentum, but Hartberg remained resolute, even under pressure from set pieces. The teams entered the halftime break scoreless.
Second-Half Changes Fail to Break the Deadlock
Hartberg manager Schmid made changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Hoffmann for the ineffective Aziz and handing the captain’s armband to Tobias Kainz, who also entered the match. Hartberg continued to be vulnerable, while the LASK sought to increase the pressure. Sasa Kalajdzic tested Hülsmann with a header in the 53rd minute, but the goalkeeper was equal to the challenge.
Havel was then substituted, with Lukas Fridrikas taking his place. LASK mirrored the change, bringing on Maximilian Entrup for Adeniran in the attacking line. However, these substitutions failed to significantly invigorate the offensive play. Hartberg remained compact, denying the LASK space in dangerous areas.
Fridrikas had a chance to make an impact after receiving a cross, but his first touch let him down in the 85th minute. The LASK continued to shoot towards goal, but rarely with any real threat. Hartberg finished the match with ten men after Diarra was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Kalajdzic in added time. Lukas Kacavenda headed a late chance over the bar for the LASK.
Coaches Reflect on a Hard-Fought Draw
LASK manager Dietmar Kühbauer acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down a well-organized Hartberg defense. “I knew exactly how the game would unfold. That there would be a team looking for their salvation in defense. Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to take the lead with the first chance, when Samuel (Adeniran) was a little too late. That would have been the key. We were in possession a lot in the first half, but lacked the final solution. In the second half, it was a good game from us. Hartberg also had some luck. We had the chances to win the game. I’m not disappointed given that the boys showed they wanted to win the game,” Kühbauer said.
Hartberg coach Manfred Schmid was pleased with his team’s performance. “From a results perspective, it’s top. The boys brought everything to the pitch tactically, fighting spirit, and running. We need to improve offensively. It was a good performance from my team. We lost the ball too easily. We’ve drawn three times against the LASK this season, which is honorable against a title favorite. The boys gave everything,” Schmid stated.
Admiral Bundesliga, Meistergruppe
Friday:
LASK – Hartberg 0:0
Linz, Raiffeisen Arena, 9,544 spectators; Referee: Sadikovski
LASK: Jungwirth – Mbuyamba, Cisse, Andrade – Jörgensen, Bogarde, Lang (79’/Kacavenda), Bello – Usor – Kalajdzic, Adeniran (66’/Entrup)
Hartberg: Hülsmann – Pazourek (79’/Kovacevic), Vincze, Wilfinger, Coulibaly, Hennig – Heil (46’/Kainz), Markus, Diarra – Aziz (46’/Hoffmann), Havel (61’/Fridrikas/92’/Halwachs)
Red Card: Diarra (91’/Foul)
Yellow Cards: Cisse (LASK); Havel, Hennig, Fridrikas, Kainz (Hartberg)
The LASK will continue their Meistergruppe campaign on Wednesday with a trip to Ried for the rescheduled semi-final of the ÖFB-Cup, battling for a place in the final in Klagenfurt. Their league schedule then takes them to Vienna to face Rapid. Hartberg, meanwhile, will host Wiener Austria at home.
