Sturm Graz celebrate 6‑1 derby triumph while goalkeeper’s fracture looms

Sturm Graz secured a spectacular 6‑1 derby win on Sunday evening, yet the celebration was clouded by the early‑game fracture of goalkeeper Daniil Chudjakow, a horror injury that stole the shine from an otherwise jubilant night.

Dominant performance despite early setback

After conceding a goal to Christopher Cvetko in the tenth minute, Sturm rallied with a flurry of goals, the first three coming from a free‑kick and a pass by Daniil for Oumar Diakite, followed by a corner delivered to Jon Gorenc Stankovic. The 24‑year‑old keeper was forced off after roughly 20 minutes when a collision with Jacob Italiano resulted in a broken shinbone.

Coach Fabio Ingolitsch praised the team's resilience, saying, “We are totally happy with the result and the performance, but the injury really darkens this beautiful evening.” He added that the squad generated momentum that the opponent could not stop, dedicating the win to the injured Russian international.

Injury woes and squad depth

The match highlighted Sturm’s ongoing injury crisis. Emran Soglo, Filip Rozga, Otar Kiteischwili, Giso Mamageischwili, Nelson Weiper, Leon Grgic and Seedy Jatta were already unavailable before the prestigious duel, prompting Ingolitsch to speak of “potential regulars and occasional players” filling gaps.

Simon Seidl, the triple‑assist provider, echoed the sentiment: “We certainly played for Daniil; such a gruesome injury is something no one wishes, it takes us all with it, and the win does not compensate.” The 22‑year‑old Ivorian striker, who lifted a Chudjakow‑shirt in celebration, has scored six goals in four league matches and will be a key figure in the upcoming Europa League clash against Olympique Marseille.

In the Bundesliga context, Sturm remains in an intense phase marked by injury misfortune, yet Ingolitsch believes the team has handled the pressure well, noting that three of nine fixtures before the next international break have already been played.

Goalkeeper Luca Weinhandl, who contributed a goal in a separate match, reflected on the derby’s emotional swing, saying, “Returning in a derby like this is incredible. The weeks are exhausting, but moments like this can spark a second wind.”

GAK coach Gerald Scheiblehner admitted the loss was painful, especially after the goalkeeper’s injury shifted the game’s balance, but stressed that defeats are part of learning.