In the Cup match, Sturm Graz emerges victorious against Röthis, with a debutant sealing the deal to secure the win.
In a thrilling match against SC Röthis, Sturm Graz secured their progression to the next round of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup with a 2-0 victory. The game was a memorable one for several reasons, particularly the standout performance of 19-year-old midfielder Janni Rozga, who scored the opening goal on his competitive debut for Sturm Graz.
Rozga, a fan favourite of the opposing team, made his mark early in the game. In the 26th minute, he capitalised on a chance outside the box, firing a precise shot past the SC Röthis goalkeeper to give Sturm Graz the lead.
Despite Rozga's near-perfect performance, he was unable to add another goal before halftime, hitting the post in the 44th minute. However, he demonstrated a passionate commitment to the game throughout, as did his teammates who defended deeply and resiliently against SC Röthis's possession-dominating tactics.
SC Röthis, who struggled to create clear chances despite their control of the ball, were dealt a blow in the 79th minute when Sohler was shown a second yellow card, leaving them to play the remainder of the game with ten men.
Max Fuchs, a Sturm Graz fan who made his debut as a substitute goalkeeper for SC Röthis, was instrumental in keeping the scoreline tight. He saved several attempts by Sturm Graz, including free kicks from Horvat (49'), headers from Lavalee (63') and Malone (65'), and another header from Rozga (85').
The second goal for Sturm Graz came in the 90th minute, courtesy of Malone. Despite the win, Sturm Graz must improve their efficiency, especially when facing stronger teams in later rounds. The game against SC Röthis served as a reminder that no opponent in the cup should be underestimated.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Rozga, who made his starting debut for Sturm Graz in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup against SC Röthis. His impressive performance is a promising sign for the future of the young midfielder and Sturm Graz as a whole.
