7/16/2024

Test Against Puskas Akademia Ends Goalless

LASK remains unbeaten in their fifth pre-season friendly. The match against Hungarian first-division team Puskas Akademia FC at the voestalpine Stadium in Pasching ended in a 0-0 draw after an intense 90 minutes.

LASK fielded a very young team in their test against last season's third-place finishers in the Hungarian top division. Head coach Thomas Darazs included Brandon Pursall, Kevin Lebersorger, and Sammy Mohammad in the starting lineup, and also gave new signing Alexis Tibidi his debut in the Athletiker jersey.

The first 45 minutes were largely balanced, with both teams creating occasional chances without being truly threatening. Linz came close twice in the early stages through attempts by Lenny Pintor and captain Sascha Horvath. The Hungarians were notable for their intense, duel-focused style of play, attempting to press LASK high up the pitch. During the few scoring opportunities for the visitors, LASK's goalkeeper Jörg Siebenhandl was reliably on hand to make the saves.

Intense Duel Ends Goalless

The second half began with the best chance yet for the Black and Whites, as substitute Florian Flecker showcased his powerful shot from distance, but goalkeeper Armin Pecsi remained vigilant. As the match progressed, Linz became bolder in their build-up play, often seeking solutions through the center, which helped them bypass the opponent's pressing more effectively. On the offensive front, the energetic George Bello revitalized the game on the left side, initiating several attacks. One of these led to another shot from Flecker, which the Hungarian goalkeeper once again saved.

Coach Darazs made a five-player substitution, rotating the team entirely and giving playing time to 22 players in total. Although the winning goal remained elusive, the Athletiker maintained their unbeaten record with a 0-0 draw in their fifth test match. The pre-season preparations will conclude with the season opener against SKN St. Pölten at the Raiffeisen Arena on Saturday at 15:00.

LASK – Puskas Akademia FC 0:0
voestalpine Stadion, SR Greinecker

Line-up LASK: Siebenhandl (62. Lawal) – Lebersorger (62. Bogarde), Stojkovic (77. Ziereis), Pursall (62. Smolcic), Mohammad (46. Bello) – Horvath (K/77. Safin), Jovicic (46. Berisha) – Pintor (77. Usor), Copado (77. Zulj), Tibidi (46. Flecker) – Kone (77. Ljubicic)

„

It was a very challenging test. The opponent caused us some difficulties at times, but as the game progressed and we had more experienced players on the field, we managed to gain better control of the game. Whenever we played our own game, it looked good. In possession, we can be a bit more patient and only move into the attack once we have created space. The game also provided us with good insights into our behavior in defensive transitions.

Thomas Darazs, Head Coach