SK Austria Klagenfurt continue their run in the Regionalliga Süd. In the Klagenfurt derby against SV Donau Klagenfurt, the Violets had to work hard, but ultimately came out on top with a 2-1 win. Aleks Ristic put Austria in front in the first half, and after Donau had equalised, Matthias Dollinger scored the decisive goal. With the victory, Slobodan Grubor's side sit on 19 points after eight matches and remain top of the table.
Austria found it tough going against Donau from the start. The visitors stood their ground and made life difficult for the Violets for long spells. Many moves broke down on both sides, so clear-cut chances were few and far between early on.
In the 37th minute, Austria finally found the opening goal. Daniel Owusu provided the assist and Aleks Ristic finished for 1-0. The Violets took that narrow lead into the dressing room at the break.
Donau equalise despite being a man down
After the restart, the game quickly picked up pace. Donau's Zoran Vukovic was shown a second yellow and then red, leaving the visitors to play on with ten men. Austria were unable to take advantage of it at first. Quite the opposite: a few minutes later, Andre Schmedler levelled things up at 1-1 after good work from Tristan Ciglar.
The Violets' response did not take long. Daniel Owusu was involved once again, this time his pass found Matthias Dollinger, who made it 2-1 and put Austria back in front.
Despite their numerical advantage, Austria were unable to put the game to bed early. Donau stayed in the contest and forced the Violets to battle for the three points right to the end. The scoreline did not change again, however, and after 90 minutes a narrow 2-1 home win was secured.
It was not an easy evening for Austria, but in the end it is the three points that count. After eight matches played, the Violets are on 19 points and lead the Regionalliga Süd table. Aleks Ristic and Matthias Dollinger were also named in Ligaportal's Team of Matchday 8 following their goals.
The next task is already waiting on Sunday. On 27 September at 16:30, Austria travel to SK Treibach at the Turnerwald Stadion.
SK Austria Klagenfurt – SV Donau Klagenfurt 2-1 (1-0) Goals: 1-0 Ristic (37'), 2-1 Dollinger (53')
