In the first round of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup, defending champion Sturm Graz defeats the regional league team Kremser SC late but nonetheless with a score of 4:2.
The Styrians take the lead following a free-kick goal from Manprit Sarakaria in the sixth minute, while former Bundesliga goalkeeper Christoph Riegler in the Kremser goal does not look good at all.
However, the underdog equalizes shortly after. Scherpen misjudges a long ball, and Gökcek scores the equalizer in the 13th minute.
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Sturm’s Double Strike in Extra Time
The Graz team has clear advantages, but there is a lack of dangerous chances against the defensively oriented Kremser. In the 26th minute, Horvat accidentally receives the ball, shoots, and his deflected shot finds its way into the Kremser goal for a 2:1 lead.
A few moments later, a foul leads to a penalty for Kremser. Koglbauer misses on the first attempt, but Scherpen moves too early. Gökcek gets another chance – double strike and equalizer (30.). Thanks to good defending, Krems takes the 2:2 into halftime.
In the second half, the game remains unchanged. Sturm must break through the defensive Kremser defense but fails to do so effectively. Biereth becomes a real threat with a header, but goalkeeper Riegler makes a save to shine (58).
Sturm continues to apply pressure, but the Kremser defend well and block nearly every attempt. Thus, the double winner must go into extra time.
The decision comes from Gorenc-Stankovic (113.) and Biereth (120.+2), who just manage to avert a penalty shootout.