GAK celebrates 2:1 home win over Lustenau and takes over first place in the standings for the first time

Pines and Lichtenberger score for GAK

Shortly before the break, Christian Lichtenberger extended the Graz side's lead. Following a pass from midfield, the midfielder finished coolly to make it 2:0 for GAK. The teams went into the dressing rooms at this score, with the home side firmly in control of the match at that point.

After the turnaround, Lustenau tried to steer the game in a different direction once more. The visitors increased the pressure and got back into the game through Dion Kacuri. As the goalscorer described after the match, he found a way through the middle just outside the box: "Kacuri tankte sich an die Mitte vor dem Sechzehner durch und ließ Stankovic von dort keine Chance." The goal gave Austria Lustenau fresh momentum for the final phase.

Kacuri pulls one back for Lustenau

In the closing stages, GAK coach Hofleitner brought on fresh legs to see out the narrow lead. First, he made a double change in the 60th minute: Gragger came on for Anderson, Smits replaced Grosse. In the 70th minute, Koch was brought on for Lichtenberger, before in the 85th minute Mandey came on for Hermesh and Maderner replaced Hofleitner himself.

Goalkeeper Cican Stankovic, who was particularly tested after the consolation goal, showed his class in the decisive moments and secured the home win for GAK. Lustenau's keeper Domenik Schierl also prevented a heavier defeat for his side with his saves.

GAK takes over the lead in the standings

With the win, GAK has sent a clear signal in the promotion race and now sits at the top of the table. Hofleitner's side is thus playing at the very top of the standings for the first time this season and travels to the next match with plenty of confidence. Lustenau, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat since promotion and must process the loss quickly in order not to slip into a relegation battle as the season progresses.

For Austria Lustenau, following the away outing in Graz, the task now is to take the morale shown in the closing phase with them. The promoted side had fought their way back after going 2:0 down and, through Kacuri's goal, had reason to hope once more. In the end, however, it was not enough to counter the Graz side's strong opening phase.