Lustenau’s strong performance against Blau-Weiß, especially in the first half, ultimately went unrewarded. Yadaly Diaby’s goal (37th) was a waste, Lustenau is four points behind the new penultimate Tirol and has to be relegated from the Bundesliga after two years. It was also a bitter evening in Bregenz for the Linzers: Due to WAC’s victory, eighth place is out of reach for Blau-Weiß and thus the European Cup play-off.
It was time to celebrate in Innsbruck: Thanks to a goal from Lukas Gugganig (41st), SCR Altach won 1-0 at WSG Tirol and thus secured relegation. The Vorarlbergers even pushed the WSG by one point to fifth place in the qualification group. The Tyroleans were no longer in danger of relegation before the last home game of outgoing long-term coach Thomas Silberberger (“The WSG is always in my heart”).
The WAC snatched the lead in the qualification group from Vienna Austria with a clear 4-0 away win in a direct duel. Samson Tijani (36th), Thierno Ballo (55th) with his twelfth goal of the season from a foul penalty, Simon Piesinger (76th) and Augustine Boakye (92nd) scored for the efficient Carinthians, while Austria missed their chances in front of the home crowd or failed because of WAC goalkeeper Lukas Gütlbauer.
There will be a reunion soon: Due to the defeat of Blau-Weiß, both WAC and Austria are already in the semi-finals of the European Cup play-offs. The winner then plays in a return game against the fifth place in the championship group for the last Conference League place.
The championship group games LASK – Sturm Graz, Austria Klagenfurt – Rapid and Hartberg – Red Bull Salzburg will take place on Sunday. If the “Bulls” do not reduce the four-point deficit to the Styrians, Sturm would be champions early and Salzburg’s reign would end after winning ten titles in a row.