The 201st Graz Derby showcased intense competition, featuring fierce confrontations, controversial moments, and two player send-offs. Key takeaways include GAK’s ongoing discipline issues, the impact of shorter players, GAK’s potential despite recent defeats, pressure on SK Sturm’s coach, GAK’s lack of offensive speed, Sturm’s need for a reliable goal-scorer, and the spirited derby atmosphere that remained largely peaceful. Malick Yalcouye’s last-minute goal secured a thrilling victory for SK Sturm.
The Thrilling Highlights of the 201st Graz Derby
The 201st Graz Derby delivered an exhilarating array of elements that every football enthusiast craves: fierce confrontations, some controversial moments, two player send-offs, and nail-biting tension right up to the final whistle. What insights can we gather from this gripping match for the future? MeinBezirk has compiled seven key takeaways.
Key Lessons from the Graz Derby
GRAZ/STYRIA. This Graz Derby was a spectacle filled with excitement and unexpected turns. In a dramatic finish, Malick Yalcouye clinched the win for SK Sturm just at the last moment. Following the match, both coaches discussed growth and learning opportunities. So, what can we learn from this city clash? Here are seven important insights from Sunday’s encounter.
1. GAK’s Discipline Issues
The yellow-red card issued to Marco Perchtold was warranted, albeit unfortunate, and serves as a symbol of GAK’s ongoing discipline issues this season. They lead the league in fouls, averaging 14.3 per game, and have accumulated the highest number of yellow cards at 68, alongside a troubling tally of 7 red cards. For context, Austria is second in yellow cards with 61, while Altach follows with 4 red cards. This discrepancy is significant. Additionally, GAK has given away the most penalties this year, with referees awarding nine, resulting in eight goals scored against them. This trend could become a crucial factor in the relegation battle.
2. Size Isn’t Everything
Prior to the derby, the average height of the teams was a hot topic, with SK Sturm being just one centimeter taller than GAK. However, it was the two shortest players in the Sturm lineup, Otar Kiteishvili (1.73m) and Malick Yalcouye (1.69m), who made the most impact on the field. Kiteishvili, in particular, demonstrated his vital role in SK Sturm’s strategy, playing a key part in nearly every threatening attack.
3. GAK’s Quality to Survive
Despite the sting of the derby defeat, GAK can take heart from their recent performances. In the past two weeks, they challenged the top two teams, nearly earning points on both occasions. Their squad possesses more talent than their current standing suggests. Notably, some of their winter signings have emerged as standout players, and the impact of a fit Laszlo Kleinheisler on possession was clear during the match.
4. Jürgen Säumel Faces Pressure
SK Sturm’s engine is still struggling to find its rhythm this spring. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team often appears to be missing the final touch that characterized last season’s success. With heightened expectations following last year’s double and Salzburg’s struggles, the pressure on coach Jürgen Säumel is mounting. The loss of key players and staff shouldn’t be overlooked, yet the weight of expectations could jeopardize Säumel’s position if the season concludes poorly.
5. GAK’s Offensive Speed Deficiency
In the first half, GAK’s attack rarely threatened Sturm’s goal. While there were opportunities for counterattacks, they lacked a player capable of exploiting speed in transition. Daniel Maderner found himself outnumbered by Sturm defenders when chasing long balls, with no one making runs or engaging in duels to support him. This is a quality that winter signing Zeteny Jano could have provided.
6. Sturm’s Need for a Finisher
Since Mika Biereth’s departure, who netted ten goals and three assists in just eleven matches, SK Sturm has struggled to find a reliable scorer. While Seedy Jatta brings pace and power, he is not a natural goal-scorer. William Boving also puts in significant effort for the team, but his strengths are more suited to midfield rather than the striker position, which is evident in the gameplay. Notably, both goals scored by Sturm came from midfielders, highlighting the lack of contributions from forwards, with the last goal from a striker dating back over a month.
7. Derby Spirit Prevails without Violence
Although SK Sturm managed to keep its card count low, many passionate fans still flocked to the stadium. On the eastern side, ‘Reds’ and ‘Blacks’ mixed together, showcasing the vibrant derby spirit. Despite some heated exchanges during the match, the atmosphere remained largely peaceful. The derby retained its intensity, as a city duel should, showcasing the spirited rivalry on the pitch.