SV Seekirchen 0-3 Sturm Graz: Bundesliga Giants Cruise into Austrian Cup Second Round

Date: 25 July 2026 | Venue: Sportzentrum Seekirchen

Sturm Graz began their Austrian Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over lower‑league side SV Seekirchen on a warm July evening. The Bundesliga heavyweights never looked troubled as they controlled possession from the first whistle, with all three goals arriving before the hour mark to seal a comfortable passage into the second round.

Match Overview

The gulf in class was evident from the opening exchanges. Sturm Graz, runners‑up in the 2025‑26 Austrian Bundesliga, imposed their technical superiority against a brave but outmatched SV Seekirchen side competing in the Regionalliga (third tier). The hosts, backed by a vocal home crowd, attempted to frustrate the visitors with a compact defensive shape, but Sturm’s quick passing and movement eventually broke them down.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal (0-1): Winger Mika Biereth collected a threaded pass from Otar Kiteishvili on the left, cut inside, and curled a precise right‑footed shot into the far corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lukas Tschann.
• 41' – Goal (0-2): A set‑piece routine doubled the lead. Alexander Prass swung a corner to the near post, where centre‑back Gregory Wüthrich rose unchallenged to power a header into the roof of the net.
• 58' – Goal (0-3): Substitute Manprit Sarkaria sealed the win with a clinical finish after a swift counter‑attack, side‑footing home from inside the box after a flick‑on by Erencan Yardımcı.

Tactical Story

Sturm Graz deployed a fluid 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, with Kiteishvili pulling the strings in the number‑10 role. Their high press forced Seekirchen into hurried clearances, and the visitors dominated the midfield battle through the combative duo of Jon Gorenc‑Stankovič and Stefan Hierländer. Seekirchen rarely threatened, managing only one shot on target—a speculative long‑range effort easily gathered by Sturm goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Standout Performers

• Mika Biereth (Sturm Graz): A constant menace on the left flank, the Danish winger scored the opener and provided the assist for the third goal.
• Gregory Wüthrich (Sturm Graz): Dominant in aerial duels and scored the important second goal that deflated Seekirchen’s resistance.
• Lukas Tschann (SV Seekirchen): Despite conceding three, the home goalkeeper made seven saves, keeping the scoreline respectable and preventing a heavier defeat.

Season Impact

For Sturm Graz, this result maintains momentum ahead of the new Bundesliga season, showcasing their depth and sharpness in the final third. SV Seekirchen can take pride in their organisation during the first 20 minutes, but ultimately the class difference was too great. The Austrian Cup continues to offer giant‑killing dreams, but on this night, the Bundesliga side’s professionalism prevailed.