FC Blau-Weiß Linz will host SV Oberbank Ried on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time at the Hofmann Personal Stadion, in the 24th round of the Austrian Bundesliga season. The match represents the final Upper Austrian derby of the season for the hosts.
The fixture comes after a challenging start to the qualification group for Blau-Weiß Linz, which suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Altach. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated positive moments and created scoring opportunities, according to reports. The return match against Ried is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at 5:00 PM in Ried.
Thomas Goiginger, who recently returned to full training, could be available for selection. The 33-year-old’s experience is seen as potentially valuable for the struggling Linz side.
Blau-Weiß Linz coach Michael Köllner emphasized the importance of securing wins at home. “We must win our home games,” he stated. The team is currently facing pressure as GAK 1902, the team immediately above them in the relegation battle, extended their lead to six points following a 2-0 victory over Wolfsberg.
Ried, currently in 8th place with 17 points, enters the match after a 1-2 loss to LASK in the UNIQA ÖFB-Cup semi-final after extra time on Wednesday evening. They began the qualification group with a 2-1 home win against WSG Tirol. Throughout the season, Ried has generally displayed consistent performances and won both encounters against Blau-Weiß Linz during the regular season.
Köllner indicated that only Anderson (knee ligament tear) is unavailable for the home side, while Goiginger, Elias Bakatukanda, and Cheick Conde have all returned to full training. Ried will be without veteran defender Michael Sollbauer due to suspension.
Köllner described the upcoming match as a physical contest, stating, “It will be a duel, a lot of fighting for the second ball.”
SV Oberbank Ried has stated their intention to play for a win at the Hofmann Personal Stadion.