Fan.at match of the round

Champions win duel against “runners-up” again

Bürmoos (Ugrinovic on the left) bared their teeth at Thalgau goalkeeper Nemeth.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Hard to believe, but true. For 18 years, Salzburg League runners-up Bürmoos have been waiting for a win against reigning champions Thalgau. That didn't change on Saturday, when the home side secured an important victory in their fight to stay in the league.

Interestingly, after their recent failures, Bürmoos, who were sixth and seven points ahead of Thalgau, were more nervous than the stragglers. In view of the program (a trip to unloved Thalgau, with top duo Kuchl and Seekirchen awaiting next), chairman Eckschlager himself stepped in to support coach Buhacek. "No, he's not counted out. He's doing a good job."

Simon Wintersteller (far left) overcame goalie O'Connor to score the goal of the day(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

"The better team lost"
The 0:1 in the fan.at match of the round, which was also broadcast via livestream, did nothing to change this attitude. Thalgau's Wintersteller scored the golden goal after Mrkonjic's lofted pass was not cleared (37'). Why is the coach firmly in the saddle? Bürmoos created a clear advantage in chances, but the "North Star" ran out of courage in front of Nemeth's goal. The chairman does not blame his manager for balls that even the coach cannot convert: "The better team lost. It's a shame, a win would probably have settled the relegation issue for us."

The game only became more exciting when the home side's joker Kreuzer anticipated a back pass that was too shallow and Bürmoos goalkeeper O'Connor pulled the emergency brake (60'). Both sides then had chances, but the result remained the same.

Thalgau celebrate "big points" in the relegation battle(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

"You won't win anything with pretty soccer in the relegation battle"
"A very important win for us. I wanted to let them press, keep the ball away from our goal," said Thalgau manager Jonjic, explaining his changes. "You won't win anything with pretty soccer in the relegation battle. We fought, it could have gone either way, but the points stay with us." The reigning champions, who had foregone promotion in the summer, moved eight points clear of the relegation places after 20 of 30 games played.