Graz suffer first defeat under Ilzer

Sturm Graz lost their first game under new coach Christian Ilzer after going down 2-1 to Stade Brestois in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The Austrian champions had won their previous two friendlies under Ilzer, but they were unable to maintain their winning start against the French Ligue 1 side.

Brestois took the lead in the 17th minute through Irvin Cardona, and they doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Romain Del Castillo.

Sturm pulled a goal back in the 55th minute through Jakob Jantscher, but they were unable to find an equalizer.

Ilzer makes four changes

Ilzer made four changes to the team that started in their previous friendly against Wolfsberger AC.

Lukas Siebenhandl replaced Jörg Siebenhandl in goal, while Vincent Trummer, Gregory Wüthrich, and Emanuel Emegha all came into the defense.

Ilzer also made changes in midfield, with Tomi Horvat and Ivan Ljubic replacing Otar Kiteishvili and Andreas Kuen.

Brestois take control

Brestois started the game brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Cardona fired home from close range after being set up by Del Castillo.

The French side continued to press and doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Del Castillo scored a stunning goal from outside the box.

Sturm struggled to create chances in the first half, but they improved after the break and pulled a goal back through Jantscher in the 55th minute.

Sturm unable to find equalizer

Sturm pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but they were unable to find a way through the Brestois defense.

The defeat is a setback for Ilzer, who is still looking for his first win as Sturm coach.

Sturm will next face Rapid Vienna in a friendly on July 16.