In a tightly contested Group Stage opener of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, FC Midtjylland claimed a 2-0 home victory over SK Sturm Graz at the MCH Arena in Herning. The Danish side started their campaign in style, though it was far from a dominant performance.
The breakthrough was delivered early via misfortune for the visitors, and it was sealed late with a well-timed header that ensured all three points for the hosts.
The match’s first turning point came just seven minutes in. A deep cross into the Sturm Graz box put pressure on their defence, and in the scramble that followed, goalkeeper Oliver Christensen could only deflect the ball into his own net, handing Midtjylland an unexpected lead.
The goal was confirmed after a video assistant referee review, and it shook the visitors at a time they had scarcely settled. That own goal proved to be the difference in the opening half, as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in what became an attritional contest.
Sturm Graz attempted to recover from the early setback. They pressed higher up the pitch, sought to gain control of midfield, and probed the flanks in search of ways to stretch Midtjylland’s back line.
Midtjylland, for their part, remained cautious, defending in shape and trying to hit on counterattacks whenever Sturm overcommitted. There were spells of sustained pressure from the Austrians, but they lacked the precision in the final pass to break down a disciplined Danish rearguard.
Perfekt start på ligaspillet ⭐#FCMSTU pic.twitter.com/9KPCO93J1F
— FC Midtjylland (@fcmidtjylland) September 24, 2025
As the second half progressed, the match grew more physical. Fouls crept in, players tired, and momentum swung back and forth. Sturm Graz introduced substitutions to inject fresh legs and ideas, while Midtjylland made tactical changes to shore up defensively and preserve their lead.
The link between defence and attack, however, remained elusive for the visitors, who found it difficult to penetrate in spite of having more of the ball at times.
When it seemed the match might end with just that early own goal separating the sides, Midtjylland delivered a killer blow in the 88th minute. From a set piece, Aral Simsir whipped in a clever cross to the centre of the box. Rising highest was Ousmane Diao, who powered a header past Christensen into the bottom left corner.
It was a composed, well-executed finish that extinguished any hopes of a late Sturm comeback.
In the dying moments, Sturm Graz threw everything forward in a last-ditch attempt to claw one back. They unleashed shots from distance, forced corners, and tried to exploit any gaps left by Midtjylland trying to hold possession.
Yet their efforts were thwarted repeatedly by the hosts’ resilience and tactical discipline. Despite a few half-chances, the Austrian side never truly looked like they would turn the tide. Midtjylland held firm, closing out the game without conceding late drama.
The result will give Midtjylland confidence as they begin their Europa League journey. For Sturm Graz, the defeat is a setback but not a disaster—a chance for reflection ahead of the next round of group fixtures.