Austria Salzburg vs Sturm Graz II: Six-Goal Thriller Ends 3-3

SV Austria Salzburg and SK Sturm Graz II played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the Austrian 2.Liga on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The hosts led twice, Sturm Graz II fought back to take a 3-2 advantage, and Austria Salzburg rescued a point with a late equaliser in a match that swung from end to end.

It was a result that reflected the attacking intent of both sides. Austria Salzburg controlled long spells with patient possession, while Sturm Graz II used their youthful energy to press and counter at speed. By the final whistle, neither team could argue that the share of the points was unfair.

Match Overview

Austria Salzburg started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Marco Sahanek finished a well-worked move. Sturm Graz II responded before half-time, with Leon Grgic levelling after a quick turnover in midfield. The hosts restored their advantage early in the second half through Lukas Alterdinger, but the visitors refused to fade.

Two goals in a 15-minute spell turned the game on its head. Jonas Karner made it 2-2, and Grgic struck again to put Sturm Graz II 3-2 ahead. Just as it looked like the visitors would take all three points, Austria Salzburg found a late equaliser through Sahanek’s second goal of the night.

Key Moments

• 18' – Austria Salzburg 1-0: Marco Sahanek arrived late in the box and guided a low shot into the corner after good work on the left.
• 31' – Sturm Graz II 1-1: Leon Grgic punished a loose pass, driving forward and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper.
• 54' – Austria Salzburg 2-1: Lukas Alterdinger headed home from a corner as the hosts regained control.
• 63' – Sturm Graz II 2-2: Jonas Karner curled a fine effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
• 78' – Sturm Graz II 3-2: Grgic scored his second, reacting quickest after a save rebounded into his path.
• 88' – Austria Salzburg 3-3: Sahanek kept his cool in a crowded box, turning and firing home to rescue a point.

Tactical Story

Austria Salzburg’s possession-based approach created plenty of chances, but their vulnerability to quick transitions was exposed repeatedly. Sturm Graz II pressed with discipline and attacked in numbers, especially through the wide areas. The visitors’ young legs made the final 30 minutes frantic, and Austria Salzburg struggled to control the tempo during that period.

The hosts’ set-piece threat was a major weapon, producing their second goal and several other dangerous moments. In the end, Austria Salzburg’s persistence paid off, but the coaching staff will be concerned about how easily their midfield was bypassed during Sturm Graz II’s best spell.

Standout Players

Marco Sahanek was Austria Salzburg’s hero with two goals, including the late equaliser. Lukas Alterdinger also impressed with his energy and aerial presence. For Sturm Graz II, Leon Grgic was outstanding, scoring twice and leading the line with maturity. Jonas Karner’s goal was one of the best strikes of the match, and the visiting midfielders deserved credit for maintaining such a high tempo.

Austrian 2.Liga Context

The draw keeps both teams in the middle pack of the Austrian 2.Liga, with Austria Salzburg showing they can score goals but still searching for greater defensive consistency. Sturm Graz II, meanwhile, continue to prove that their youth development pipeline can compete physically and tactically in the league. With the promotion and relegation picture still taking shape, this was the kind of point that could matter at the end of the season.