Vital comeback win sealed against Sturm | OneFootball

Second-half surge sees 3-1 home win

Spring is in the air a little and our Red Bulls are flying! There was ideal weather in Salzburg as our side put in a superb performance against SK Sturm Graz, racing back after a poor start to seal a 3-1 win that reduces the gap to the league leaders to six points.

Match summary

It began with very much the expected end-to-end action. Both teams tried to seize an early advantage, but the odd shot from distance or threatening break was not enough - until Sturm struck first. A well-hit corner into our box fell to the feet of Gorenc-Stankovic, who gladly tidied the ball in to make it 1-0 (10').

The visitors gained confidence from their lead, and we had to compose ourselves and seek ways through the Sturm defensive ranks. We first threatened in the 21st minute, but Yorbe Vertessen's shot was too imprecise. A short while later, Karim Onisiwo charged through and cut the ball perfectly off to Moussa Yeo, who rattled the crossbar with his effort (30').

We grew into the game as the first half progressed, with Onisiwo (41') having a big chance for an equaliser before Gloukh tried his luck from distance (43'). We therefore went into the break behind despite our best efforts.

We continued to set the tone at the start of the second period, even if we found opportunities harder to come by for a while. It wasn't until the 54th minute when Gloukh was able to threaten and sent a shot just wide from a good position.

There was light at the end of the tunnel, thankfully, as our Red Bulls stepped up another gear with some swift combination play that brought us onto the scoresheet! Vertessen was sent through alone on Scherpen after Daghim lofted the ball forward and chipped the giant Sturm goalkeeper superbly to level (72').

We weren't finished there, as our Red Bulls hit a groove and dazzled their way through the Sturm defence. A second goal seemed to be on the cards and came in the 84th minute when Daghim sent his marker trailing on the left and drilled the ball into the middle, where the onrushing Dorgeles Nene made it 2-1. We wanted even more, and duly got it as the pattern from the second goal was completed - and the ball was crossed into the middle where Onisiwo rushed to tuck in and send the Red Bull Arena wild (87').

Sturm were stunned and had no response to our wonderful final thrust. Celebrations ensued as the 3-1 win was sealed - and along with that three points that move us closer to the top of the table, but more importantly gave everyone in Salzburg a sense of joy!

Two matches remain in the regular season for us to make up further ground - one of which is at home to WAC on Sunday 16 March.

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Thomas Letsch

Karim Onisiwo

Line-up

Substitutions

Daghim for Yeo (46'), Terzic for Trummer (46'), Nene for Morgalla (66'), Diambou for Vertessen (88'), E. Baidoo for Gloukh (90+2')

Yellow cards

None

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