Lots of Heart on Mother's Day Matchday

After three wins and a 13:2 goal difference in the first three matches under head coach Maximilian Ritscher, the third-to-last game of the qualification group ended in a draw for the first time. There were certainly chances for another full win, as evidenced by the xG value of 2.45. Following values of 2.40 and 2.79 against Austria Klagenfurt and 2.39 in Tirol, the team once again raised their expected goals significantly above the season average of 1.56 in the fourth match of the interim era under the long-time assistant coach. Nevertheless, Ritscher identified room for improvement after the team’s previously strong performances: “Our positioning between the lines, decision-making—especially in the final third—and our presence in the box were too erratic and lacked dynamism. Even in our defensive transitions, there were moments where we weren’t assertive enough. We’ll address that,” announced the LASK coach.

The already secured first place in the qualification group is of no concern to Ritscher. “It’s not about what stage of the season we’re in, but about the things we need to improve as a team.” This also applies to the upcoming play-off semifinal, which will take place on May 26 at the Raiffeisen Arena—most likely once again against TSV Hartberg. “It’s going to be a relatively similar type of game in terms of playing style. But that one will be all or nothing,” said captain Philipp Ziereis, who will not be renewing his expiring contract this summer and is determined to say goodbye with further successes. “We had very, very good conversations, but I came to the conclusion that I want to take on a new challenge. I want to thank the club—it's not common to have such open and long discussions. I’m truly grateful for that,” explained the center-back, who already looks back fondly on three special years at LASK. “I was able to fulfill my dream of playing internationally. There were so many beautiful moments. I hope we can finish the season strongly and secure a spot in European qualification. I wish the club and everyone here nothing but the best for the future,” said Ziereis, expressing deep appreciation for the club.

The same holds true for Tobias Schützenauer. The goalkeeper recently extended his contract with LASK until 2027 and made his competitive debut for the club, stepping in for the injured Tobias Lawal. It was also his first appearance in the Austrian Bundesliga since April 2024. The 27-year-old handled his task so impressively that he was immediately voted Man of the Match by the fans. “I was happy to be back on the pitch,” said the keeper, before quickly adding, “We’re a team, we stick together. It’s not about me, it’s about LASK. I’ll be glad when Tobias Lawal is back on the field, when Lukas Jungwirth also takes the next step forward, and when we, as a goalkeeper unit, can continue to push each other.”

On that football afternoon, the spotlight also shone on those who give immeasurable support every day to help their children chase their dreams: the mothers. While our academy players handed out brioche hearts, the mothers of Ziereis, Zulj, Horvath, and Flecker high-fived the pros before kickoff. In the fan zone, the youngest visitors could get creative at a crafting station, making their own personal Mother's Day gifts. During halftime, the stage belonged to the moms and their children: around 30 kids from the LASK youth academy and leading partner backaldrin took part in a dribbling course, presenting their mothers with a heart before finishing by scoring a goal. The fastest of them all was Konstantinos Kyritsis from LASK's U12 team, earning the promising young talent a signed home jersey. As the band Freaky Friday brought the matchday to a lively close in the fan zone, young pros Armin Midzic and Tarik Brkic handed out Mother's Day roses at the Raiffeisen Players Corner—rounding off a successful themed matchday in style.