Andrade’s Night: LASK Triumphs in Altach

With six changes to the starting lineup compared to their last Bundesliga match, LASK entered the final phase of the season in the Ländle. A highlight for the Linz side was the return of center-back Andres Andrade, who played his first competitive match since May 12, 2024.

The game started with few chances, as LASK struggled with the final pass in the attacking third while attempting to break down Altach’s compact defense. The hosts, however, showed no signs of embracing an underdog role. The breakthrough of the evening came from a set piece: Krystof Danek delivered a cross from midfield to the far post, where none other than Andres Andrade rose highest to calmly head LASK into a 1-0 lead (28'), capping off his comeback in style.

Altach appeared to equalize through Mike Bähre, but referee Lechner correctly ruled the goal offside (35'). LASK gained momentum from their opener, stepping up their attacking efforts. Samuel Adeniran came close to doubling the lead, but Altach goalkeeper Stojanovic reacted quickly, denying him with an outstretched hand (40'). As the first half neared its end, LASK dominated possession and created another promising chance from a Bello cross, though no one was there to finish. Consequently, the visitors took a deserved lead into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern: LASK remained solid, while Altach remained determined. The first real danger came in the 58th minute, when a mistake in LASK's buildup play allowed Tobias Lawal to showcase his class, denying a double chance from Fridrikas (58').

Altach had a brief spell of pressure, but LASK quickly snuffed it out. Christoph Lang played a clever pass to Krystof Danek, who curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to score a beautiful 2-0 (59'). It was the first goal for the winter signing in a black-and-white shirt, and he celebrated joyously.

Altach continued to push forward in search of a comeback, and in the 74th minute, a shot struck the post, preventing their goal. In the closing minutes, the hosts had more of the ball, but LASK stood firm, maintaining their clean sheet and securing a 2-0 victory to earn their first three points in the final phase.

SCR Altach – LASK 0:2 (0:1)
Cashpoint Arena, 4.257, Ref Harald Lechner
Goals: 0:1 Andrade (28.), 0:2 Danek (59.)
Yellow Cards: Mustapha (7.) Fadinger (90.+1); Bello (52.), Ziereis (88.)

Line-up LASK: Lawal – Jovicic, Ziereis (K), Andrade (61. Boateng), Bello – Ljubic, Horvath – Danek (76. Coulibaly), Entrup (76. Mustapha), Lang (62. Safin) - Adeniran (46. Pintor)