LASK secures three points in league opener

Apart from the newly signed Hrvoje Smolcic, who was sidelined with a neck injury, LASK coach Thomas Darazs relied on the same starting lineup as in their 3-0 ÖFB Cup victory over Gurten. In place of the Croatian, Filip Stojovic was given the chance to partner with Philipp Ziereis in central defense. LASK dominated the game from the start with plenty of possession and created the first chances. Hartberg goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger saved a shot from Moses Usor in the 5th minute and intercepted a cross from the Nigerian two minutes later.

Usor came even closer to scoring just three minutes later, hitting the post with his right foot after a high ball recovery and quick counter-attack. The Athletiker largely controlled the match with their dominant performance, though Tobias Lawal had to make his first save 17 minutes in from a shot by Avdijaj. After half an hour, the first LASK player found the back of the net in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Valon Berisha delivered a precise cross, and center-back Philipp Ziereis scored his fourth Bundesliga goal with a header.

After halftime, the Linz side once again got off to a better start. Marin Ljubicic hit the side netting from a tight angle, and just under an hour into the game, the Athletiker celebrated their second goal. A rebound following a free kick from Robert Zulj fell to newcomer Melayro Bogarde, who easily slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute. However, the apparent game-deciding goal was quickly answered by the Styrians. Just three minutes later, TSV Hartberg capitalized on a LASK buildup error, with Dominik Prokop scoring to make it 1-2.

Despite the close scoreline, the Linz team maintained control for most of the final phase, allowing the Styrians few opportunities. One notable exception was a chance for Prokop, which Tobias Lawal brilliantly saved.

Ultimately, the Upper Austrians secured the lead and thus remained unbeaten in a Bundesliga opening game for the sixth consecutive time. Since their promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2017, the Athletiker have also celebrated their sixth opening-round victory.

TSV Hartberg – LASK 1:2 (0:1)
Profertil Arena, Referee: Hameter
Goals: 0:1 Ziereis (29'), 0:2 Bogarde (57'), 1:2 Prokop (60')
Yellow Cards: Kainz (34'), Fillafer (76'); Ljubicic (39')

LASK lineup: Lawal – Bogarde, Ziereis, Stojkovic, Bello – Horvath, Jovicic – Usor (88' Lebersorger), Zulj, Berisha (71' Taoui) – Ljubicic (78' Tibidi)