ÖFB team goalie Alex Schlager is looking forward to his debut in the premier class. The Salzburger has already experienced numerous highlights in his career. Coach Gerhard Struber is hoping for his first win abroad since 2020.
Ten international matches for Austria, a Europa League round of 16 at the venerable Old Trafford against Manchester United and an ÖFB Cup final with LASK – Alexander Schlager has already experienced some big highlights in his career. But the biggest game of his career to date is probably waiting tonight at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. “The Champions League is an absolute dream come true for me. “That was always my big goal as a little child,” the ÖFB team goalkeeper’s eyes light up when he thinks about the premier class. Preparation for the duel against Benfica didn’t go completely smoothly for the 27-year-old. “I have a bit of a cold, but you don’t have to worry for Benfica,” revealed Schlager to the “Krone.” “Anything is possible.” The goalie is expecting an intense game in Lisbon. “We are not the favorites there,” he knows, but at the same time emphasizes that “with our team, anything is possible and we are going there to take something with us.” He will have to be at his best against Benfica today and will have to do a lot. “We know that each of their players has a high level of individual quality.” Coach Gerhard Struber, who will also celebrate his Champions League debut in Portugal, is also aware of this. “The Benfica team has an incredibly good tactical understanding. It will be a big challenge for us, but we are well prepared.” What does the 46-year-old want for his debut? “Success would be nice, it’s been a while since the last away win at this level.” Struber is right, the last time the Bulls celebrated away from home was in the 3-1 win against Lok Moscow on December 1st, 2020. Ideally, it should the away misery ends today.
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