Sturm Graz Draw 2-2 with Paris Saint-Germain
Sturm Graz secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against French giants Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly match in Klagenfurt. The match attracted a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.
Sturm Graz fielded their strongest lineup, with only goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen and injured midfielder Lovro Zvonarek missing. Summer signing Danil Khudyakov deputized in goal.
The Parisians took an early lead, with Ibrahim Mbaye scoring in the ninth minute and Carlos Soler doubling their advantage in the 12th minute. However, Sturm Graz responded quickly. Amady Camara netted one back in the 15th minute after a defensive blunder.
The home side continued to press and had several chances to equalize. Otar Kiteishvili finally found the back of the net with a long-range shot in the 44th minute.
The second half saw both teams create chances but fail to convert them. Khudyakov made several impressive saves for Sturm Graz, while Paris Saint-Germain squandered a counterattack in the 83rd minute.
Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer described the match as a valuable learning experience, despite the draw. ”We had our difficulties at the start, but the boys learned well in the first half,” he said.
The friendly match appears to have been financially successful for Sturm Graz, according to their managing director Thomas Tebbich.