The FC Red Bull Salzburg Women's team is set to reignite their league campaign with a critical encounter against SK Sturm Graz. Scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 PM CET, this match promises intense competition as both teams, having recently triumphed in the ÖFB Women's Cup semi-finals, battle for a top-four position and a berth in the championship group. With an unblemished pre-season record, the Salzburg women are focused on leveraging their strong form to overcome their rivals.
Salzburg Women Face Sturm Graz in Pivotal League Clash
In a highly anticipated resumption of league play, the FC Red Bull Salzburg Women's team will travel to Graz for a crucial showdown against SK Sturm Graz. The match, part of Matchday 15 of the regular season, is slated for Saturday, February 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM CET at the Messendorf training center. Football enthusiasts can catch all the action live on ÖFB TV.
Both Salzburg and Graz enter this fixture with strong momentum, having successfully advanced to the ÖFB Women's Cup semi-finals. While Coach Djakovic's SK Sturm Graz secured a dramatic last-minute win against Vienna, the Salzburg women, under the guidance of Pavlovic, enjoyed a relatively smooth 2-0 victory over FC Blau-Weiß Linz/Kleinmünchen. These cup successes underscore both teams' readiness for the league restart.
This encounter holds significant weight as it pits direct competitors against each other for a coveted spot in the top four, which determines qualification for the championship group after Matchday 18. Both teams boast an undefeated preparation period, adding to the anticipation. In their previous meeting, SK Sturm Graz edged out Salzburg with a single goal in Liefering. Referee Christian Pfeiffer will officiate this pivotal match, where the Salzburg women aim to inflict SK Sturm's first home defeat since mid-October.
Head Coach Dusan Pavlovic expressed his team's mindset, stating, "Sturm is a very stable and experienced team, and playing away will be a significant challenge. For us, this is an important match because we're facing direct competitors. These are exactly the kinds of games we want to play – to see where we stand and to take the next step. The key will be bringing our intensity and courage to the pitch. If we stick to our principles and show our identity, we have every chance." His words highlight the strategic importance of the game and the team's determination to perform at their best.
This match is not merely about points; it's a statement of intent for both clubs. For Salzburg, it's an opportunity to cement their position among the league's elite and demonstrate their championship aspirations. The result will undoubtedly shape the narrative for the remainder of the season and provide valuable insights into each team's potential.