LASK Linz snatches EL group win after stunning 3-0 win over Sporting Lisbon

Photo: Vlad Indrei

In a thrilling conclusion to the Europa League group stage, LASK, the Austrian football underdogs, delivered a stunning performance that left fans and pundits alike in awe. Facing off against the formidable Sporting Lisbon, who boast an impressive 18 Portuguese league titles, LASK rose to the occasion and secured a commanding 3-0 victory on home turf.

The Linz-based team wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Gernot Trauner and Joao Klauss spearheading their attack in the first half. Their clinical finishing and relentless pursuit of goals laid the foundation for a historic first-place finish in the group. Trauner's and Klauss' goals not only showcased their individual prowess but also highlighted the collective strength of the LASK squad.

As the final minutes of the match ticked away, Marko Raguz delivered the coup de grâce in the 93rd minute, putting the game to bed and solidifying LASK's triumph. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans celebrated this momentous victory, which not only secured their place in the next stage of the competition but also etched their names in the annals of Austrian football history.

This achievement marks LASK as the fourth Austrian team to clinch the top spot in a Europa League group, following in the footsteps of Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg. With this remarkable performance, LASK has earned a well-deserved spot in the upcoming sixteenth final draw, where they will await their next challenge in the journey through the Europa League.

LASK's success in topping their group is a testament to their resilience, skill, and determination. Their journey continues, and fans will be eagerly watching as they prepare to face new adversaries on their path to European glory. The football world can't help but admire this underdog's remarkable rise in the Europa League, a journey that promises even more excitement and surprises in the rounds to come.

UEFA Europa League, Group D, matchday 6
LASK - Sporting Lisbon 3-0 (2-0)
Linz stadium; 14,000 viewers (sold out); SR Collum (SCO)

Goals: Trauner (23rd), Joao Klauss (38th / penalty), Raguz (90th + 3)

Red: Ribeiro (35./Torraub)

LASK: A. Schlager - Wiesinger, Trauner, Filipovic (88./Pogatetz) - Ranftl, Holland, Michorl, Potzmann - Goiginger, Joao Klauss (71./Raguz), Frieser (63./Tetteh)

Sporting: Ribeiro - Rosier, Coates, Tiago Ilori, Borja - Rodrigo Fernandes (37./Luis Maximiano), Henrique, Luis (71./Luis Phellype) - Camacho, Jese (46./Doumbia), Pedro Mendes