SV Austria Salzburg and SK Sturm Graz II share six-goal thriller in Austrian 2. Liga

SV Austria Salzburg and SK Sturm Graz II played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the Austrian 2. Liga on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at the Max Aicher Stadion. The six-goal spectacle saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Salzburg twice coming from behind to salvage a point against a resilient Sturm Graz II side. The result leaves both teams with mixed feelings, but it was a compelling advertisement for the attacking quality in Austria's second tier.

The match started at a frantic pace, with Salzburg eager to impress in front of their home support. However, Sturm Graz II, the reserve team of the Bundesliga giants, showed why they are one of the most dangerous young sides in the division. By the half-hour mark, the visitors had raced into a 2-1 lead, only for Salzburg to equalise before the interval. The second half delivered three more goals, including a late leveller that sent the home fans into raptures.

Match overview and key moments

Both defences struggled to contain the opposition's attacking transitions. Salzburg dominated possession but were repeatedly caught on the break, while Sturm Graz II's energetic midfield pressed high and created chances at will. The game was a tactical battle between Salzburg's patient buildup and Sturm's vertical, direct style.

• 9' – Sturm Graz II open the scoring with a low drive from the edge of the box.
• 22' – Salzburg equalise through a header from a deep cross.
• 38' – Sturm Graz II restore their lead after a defensive mix-up.
• 44' – Salzburg make it 2-2 with a penalty just before half-time.
• 67' – Sturm Graz II take a 3-2 lead with a clinical counter-attack.
• 88' – Salzburg grab a dramatic equaliser from a corner, finishing 3-3.

Tactical story: attack vs. organisation

SV Austria Salzburg lined up in a 4-3-3, looking to control the midfield through short passing and overlapping full-backs. However, their high defensive line was repeatedly exposed by Sturm Graz II's quick forwards. The visitors sat deep in a 4-4-2, absorbing pressure and then launching rapid counter-attacks through the channels. Salzburg's midfield trio struggled to track runners, which led to all three Sturm goals coming from transitional moments.

After going 3-2 down, Salzburg's coach made two attacking substitutions, pushing an extra body into the box. The move paid off when a late corner was flicked on and bundled in at the far post. Sturm Graz II will be disappointed not to have held on, but their young squad showed maturity for much of the match, only to switch off in the final minutes.

Standout players

Salzburg's attacking midfielder was the best player on the pitch, scoring once and assisting another with a series of incisive passes. Their striker also impressed with relentless pressing and intelligent movement. For Sturm Graz II, the right winger was a constant threat, scoring one goal and winning the penalty that led to another. The Sturm goalkeeper made several important saves to keep his team in the game, though he was beaten by the late equaliser.

Austrian 2. Liga table impact and what's next

The draw leaves SV Austria Salzburg in mid-table, still searching for consistency in the early weeks of the season. SK Sturm Graz II remain a dangerous unknown quantity, capable of beating anyone on their day but prone to lapses in concentration. Both sides will take positives from the attacking display, but both coaches will spend the week working on defensive organisation. The next round of fixtures offers each team a chance to build on this result, and if this match is anything to go by, fans in the Austrian 2. Liga are in for an entertaining season.