SV Ried Faces WAC in Crucial Europa Cup Playoff Semifinal

Team Preparations and Reactions

SV Ried’s sporting director, Wolfgang Fiala, called the playoff a "Belohnung" (reward) for the team’s hard work. "Das Spiel ist eine weitere Belohnung für die harte Arbeit in den vergangenen Jahren von allen Beteiligten," he emphasized. Maximilian Senft, another key figure at Ried, added, "Wir haben uns unser Halbfinale um Europa über zehn Monate erarbeitet." He vowed the team would play with "100 Prozent SV-Ried-Identität."

WAC coach Thomas Silberberger described the match as a "coole Herausforderung" (cool challenge) and a "Bonusspiel" (bonus game) after a tough season. "Wir freuen uns auf ein volles Haus und wollen die Saison noch krönen," he said, highlighting his team’s motivation.

Ante Bajic’s Long-Term Commitment

Ahead of the match, Ried announced the contract extension of star player Ante Bajic until 2030. The 30-year-old offensive midfielder, who rejoined Ried in 2024 after two years at Rapid Wien, has been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing nine goals and eight assists in the 2024/25 season.

Bajic called the decision to extend his stay an easy one. "Für mich war es eine sehr leichte Entscheidung," he said, describing SV Ried as his "Herzensverein" (heart’s club). He added, "Die Mannschaft verspüre ausschließlich einen 'positiven Druck'" (the team feels only positive pressure).

With European qualification on the line, both teams are poised for a fierce battle tonight under the lights in Ried.