Thrilling Finale in the 2nd League: St. Pölten and Lustenau in a Remote Duel for Promotion

Coach Statements and Tactical Approach

SKN coach Cem Sekerlioglu remains combative: "We’ve had it within our grasp often enough. With seven clean sheets in the last nine games, we’ve only lacked a goal or two upfront." He emphasizes the importance of home advantage: "We have to win against Wels—that’s all we’re focusing on. And we hope a packed stadium will carry us through."

Lustenau’s coach Markus Mader is equally optimistic about the decisive match: "It’s going to be spectacular," he predicts, given the sold-out home arena. His team has "developed formidable home strength"—winning nine of their 13 home matches this season and losing only one. For Mader, it would mark his second promotion with Austria after 2022.

Historical Significance and Possible Scenarios

Sekerlioglu recalls his prediction from October 2025: "If 2,500 fans show up for our last home game against Wels on May 14, we’ll have done a lot right." Smiling, he notes: "I kept my word." And he adds: "Never count us out. Maybe we’ll achieve something great right at the end."

If Lustenau scores points, the big championship celebration could kick off as early as Thursday evening. But Amstetten’s coach Enengl, according to Sekerlioglu, will ensure "it’s no walk in the park—Amstetten will be as tough as ever to play against. Nobody wants them as opponents in a decisive match."

For St. Pölten, the rule is: "Only after the final whistle will we look at the result in Lustenau. If it ends up being enough, that would of course be wonderful," says Sekerlioglu. A thrilling finale in the 2nd League awaits—with an uncertain outcome.