The Austrian Championship is one of the premier football competitions in Austria, showcasing top-tier clubs battling for dominance. In the 2018 season, the standings reflected not only the consistency of the best teams but also the fierce competition for European spots, mid-table safety, and the fight to avoid relegation. Below, we provide a thorough analysis of the final standings, key statistics, and insights that shaped the outcome of the Austrian Championship standings in 2018.

Overview of the 2018 Austrian Championship Season

The Austrian Bundesliga‘s format consists of a 10-team league, with clubs playing each other multiple times throughout the season. The points accumulated from each match determined the standings, with teams earning three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.

At the conclusion of the season, the team with the most points is crowned champion, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The second and third-placed teams generally gain entry into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, while the lowest-ranked team faces relegation to the second tier, the Austrian Football Second League.

Top Performers in the 2018 Season

Red Bull Salzburg: The Undisputed Champions

Red Bull Salzburg dominated the 2018 Austrian Championship, finishing first in the standings with a significant lead over their competitors. Known for their high-pressing style and offensive prowess, Salzburg secured the championship title well before the final matchday. Their outstanding defense and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in maintaining their dominance throughout the season.

• Points accumulated: 77
• Wins: 24
• Draws: 5
• Losses: 3
• Goals scored: 79
• Goals conceded: 26

Salzburg’s consistency throughout the season solidified their reputation as the dominant force in Austrian football.

SK Sturm Graz: Securing Second Place

Sturm Graz finished in second place, a remarkable achievement considering the fierce competition from other clubs. They displayed resilience and tactical flexibility, particularly in their midfield and defensive areas.

• Points accumulated: 66
• Wins: 20
• Draws: 6
• Losses: 6
• Goals scored: 60
• Goals conceded: 40

Sturm Graz’s second-place finish secured them a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, reflecting their strong performance across the season.

Rapid Wien: A Solid Third-Place Finish

Rapid Wien claimed third place in the standings, showcasing a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent. Their midfield play, characterized by quick transitions and ball control, was a key component of their success.

• Points accumulated: 61
• Wins: 18
• Draws: 7
• Losses: 7
• Goals scored: 65
• Goals conceded: 35

Their third-place finish ensured participation in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, a significant achievement for the club.

Mid-Table Teams: Battling for Stability

LASK Linz: Impressing with a Fourth-Place Finish

LASK Linz exceeded expectations in the 2018 season, finishing fourth in the standings. Their defense was one of the best in the league, helping them secure crucial points against tougher opponents.

• Points accumulated: 55
• Wins: 15
• Draws: 10
• Losses: 7
• Goals scored: 50
• Goals conceded: 32

Austria Wien: Mixed Fortunes in Fifth

Austria Wien, traditionally one of the strongest clubs in Austrian football, experienced an inconsistent season. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, they struggled with injuries and squad rotation.

• Points accumulated: 52
• Wins: 15
• Draws: 7
• Losses: 10
• Goals scored: 54
• Goals conceded: 44

Their fifth-place finish, though respectable, fell short of their usual high standards.

SV Mattersburg: A Resilient Mid-Table Team

SV Mattersburg had a steady campaign, comfortably finishing in sixth place. While they lacked the attacking firepower of the top teams, their defensive organization allowed them to grind out valuable points.

• Points accumulated: 43
• Wins: 12
• Draws: 7
• Losses: 13
• Goals scored: 45
• Goals conceded: 47

Relegation Battle: The Fight for Survival

Wolfsberger AC: Avoiding the Drop

Wolfsberger AC narrowly avoided relegation, finishing seventh in the standings. Their inconsistent form put them in danger throughout the season, but crucial wins in the final rounds ensured their survival.

• Points accumulated: 40
• Wins: 10
• Draws: 10
• Losses: 12
• Goals scored: 41
• Goals conceded: 46

SCR Altach: A Struggle to Stay Afloat

SCR Altach faced a difficult campaign, managing only an eighth-place finish. Though they showed glimpses of quality, inconsistency plagued their season.

• Points accumulated: 35
• Wins: 9
• Draws: 8
• Losses: 15
• Goals scored: 39
• Goals conceded: 54

St. Pölten: Narrowly Escaping Relegation

St. Pölten spent most of the season in the relegation zone but managed to pull off a series of late victories to stay in the top flight.

• Points accumulated: 30
• Wins: 7
• Draws: 9
• Losses: 16
• Goals scored: 32
• Goals conceded: 56

Relegation: The Drop to the Second Division

FC Admira Wacker: Facing Relegation

FC Admira Wacker finished at the bottom of the standings and were relegated to the Austrian Second League for the following season. Their inability to convert chances and defensive frailties saw them struggle throughout the campaign.

• Points accumulated: 25
• Wins: 6
• Draws: 7
• Losses: 19
• Goals scored: 30
• Goals conceded: 60

Top Scorers of the 2018 Austrian Championship

One of the key narratives of the 2018 season was the impressive individual performances by players vying for the Golden Boot. Here are the top scorers:

• Munas Dabbur (Red Bull Salzburg): 22 goals
• Thomas Goiginger (LASK Linz): 16 goals
• Deni Alar (Sturm Graz): 14 goals

These players were instrumental in leading their respective teams to success throughout the campaign.

Conclusion

The 2018 Austrian Championship season was an exciting and competitive affair, with Red Bull Salzburg asserting their dominance once again. From the thrilling race for European qualification to the dramatic relegation battle, every club faced challenges and moments of triumph. As we reflect on this memorable season, it’s clear that Austrian football continues to thrive, with exciting talent and competitive spirit on display.