Full Speed Ahead into the Final Round

The regular season is behind them, and the Athletiker used the first international break of the year to look ahead and fully focus on their new goals in the qualification group. With precision and dedication, the Black and Whites prepared for the challenges of the coming weeks, aiming to build on their positive momentum from the spring season.

This progress was evident not only in strong performances but also in an impressive six-game unbeaten streak and three consecutive wins before their recent 2-4 defeat against SK Sturm. In the spring rankings, the Linz side collected the third-most points of all Bundesliga teams. Now, for the second time in seven years, the Athletiker find themselves in the qualification group, entering with a two-point lead over TSV Hartberg after the points were halved. A promising sign: LASK has already secured 23 points this season against teams from the lower half of the table.

Facing SCR Altach on Friday evening, the Upper Austrians take on the current sixth-placed team in the lower play-offs. The Vorarlberg side concluded the regular season with two draws - a 1-1 at home against RB Salzburg followed by a 2-2 at Austria Klagenfurt. LASK captain Philipp Ziereis is preparing for a tough challenge: "We expect a difficult opponent who plays with aggression and defends high up the pitch. We need to find solutions and bring energy and passion onto the field," said the central defender, who is available again after serving a yellow-card suspension against Sturm, as is Branko Jovicic.

The two previous encounters this season both ended in 2-1 victories for the away team. Last November, LASK overturned a 0-1 deficit thanks to a late brace from Maximilian Entrup. In the last eight meetings, the Athletiker have claimed victory five times, with two draws. Their away record against Altach is even more impressive: LASK remains unbeaten in Vorarlberg since 2011, spanning 12 encounters, and has never lost to them in Austria’s top division. Equally remarkable, LASK kept a clean sheet in eight of their last ten away matches against Altach. Another notable statistic: the Black and Whites have picked up points in each of their last 11 Friday fixtures.

ADMIRAL Bundesliga, 23rd Round
Friday, March 28, 2025, 7.30 p.m.
SCR Altach – LASK
Cashpoint Arena, Referee Harald Lechner

Missing: Usor, Jungwirth, Smolcic