On course for promotion

Sturm’s youngsters take a 3:2 lead against Dortmund

Sturm's youngsters defeated Dortmund 3:2.(Bild: GEPA)

The Sturm Graz U19s have taken another step towards promotion to the knockout phase of the UEFA Youth League. The Styrians defeated Dortmund 3:2 in a thrilling match at the Borussia training center on Tuesday. 

It was the second away win for coach Jürgen Säumel's squad after the 4:1 win at Stade Brest at the start. This followed a 1:1 draw against FC Brugge and a 1:3 defeat against Sporting Lisbon in St. Vitus.

Grgic headed in the winner
Dortmund took the lead through Ousmane Diallo in the "pre-match" of the Champions League duel between the two teams (17'). Youba Koita quickly equalized after a cross from Senad Mustafic (23). Sturm were well in the game, which did not change after the restart. A shot from Martin Kern was just cleared off the line (63'). Five minutes later, Antonio Ilic surprised BVB goalkeeper Robin Lisewski with a free-kick from an acute angle into the near corner. This time it did not take long for the Germans, who had 17-year-old ÖFB youth team player Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta in the starting eleven, to reply. Matthies Albert was able to head in unchallenged from close range (79'). The home side were still denied points, however, as Leon Grgic scored (84') after Oliver Sorg had failed to beat Lisewski.

Graz continue their campaign on November 27 with a home game against Girona. The top 22 teams qualify for the intermediate round, which will be played in spring 2025. Sturm have currently moved up to ninth place with seven points.