Well informed

What you need to know about the Graz soccer derby

(Bild: GEPA)

There is only a short time left until the Sturm v GAK soccer summit in Graz (kick-off at 5pm in the Merkur Arena). With the "Krone", fans can go to the stadium well informed - plus there are interesting facts that you can use to shine at the regulars' table or in front of the TV.

Referee: Alexander Harkam from Graz willreferee the derby. Just like in the 2022 Cup - at the time, Sturm coach Christian Ilzer said that a Styrian should never referee the Graz derby again.

Spectators : The Merkur Arena is sold out with 16,364 fans. The biggest crowd was at the old Liebenau stadium - 20,000 watched a 1-1 draw in 1969.

Sturm fans: They will not be organizing a fan march, but will meet on the stadium forecourt from 12 noon.

GAK fans: The Reds will meet at 12 noon at ORF-Park. They will march to the game at 1pm. Admission is only possible via the entrance in sector 27. After the game, they will be chauffeured to Dietrichsteinplatz by shuttle bus.

Admission: You can enter the stadium from 3.30 pm.

Traffic: There is a police exclusion zone around the stadium. Early arrival is recommended - ideally by public transport. Road closures are always possible.

Statistics: 199 Graz derbies have been played so far. Sturm have won 82, GAK 68 and the points have been shared 49 times.

Ivica Vastic(Bild: Sepp Pail)

Record player: Andy Pichler has made the most appearances for Sturm with 40, followed by former GAK player Ales Ceh with 39.

Record scorer: Sturm legend Ivica Vastic scored 19 goals. Walter Koleznik has eight on the red side.

Highest derby wins: Sturm won 6:1 in the Bundesliga in 2000, while GAK also won 6:1 in the national league in 1956 and 1958.