The USV 1960 Berndorf secured promotion to the Salzburger Liga after a dramatic 3-1 victory over SV Anthering in the first leg of the relegation playoff on June 17, 2026, setting the stage for a decisive return match on June 22. The win reversed Berndorf’s fortunes after a 3-0 defeat to Anthering in their previous head-to-head this season, with the Haunsberger club’s late surge—including a 20-meter free kick by Maximilian Dicker—proving decisive.
The Turning Point: How Berndorf’s Late Rally Changed the Relegation Race
Berndorf’s comeback began in the second half, when Bastian Kühleitner broke the deadlock with a clinical finish in the 49th minute after a clever double pass with Manuel Schubeck. The lead lasted only three minutes before Janik Lindner equalized with a searing hacked shot from 20 yards out, but the momentum had shifted. Anthering, despite fielding a weakened side with key players like Maxi Dicker sidelined by injury, dominated possession and created more chances—but it was Berndorf’s clinical efficiency that sealed the win.
Dicker’s free kick in the 72nd minute—described by Ligaportal as “unhaltbar” (unstoppable)—gave Berndorf a 3-1 lead they would not relinquish. The final whistle left Anthering’s 550-strong crowd stunned, but Berndorf’s sportchef Herbert Kohlbacher framed the result as a testament to resilience: “It was the little things that decided it,” he told reporters. “Anthering is stronger than last season, but we didn’t give up.”
The Historical Rivalry: Why This Relegation Playoff Matters More Than the Score
This isn’t the first time Anthering and Berndorf have clashed for a place in the Salzburger Liga. In May 2025, Berndorf lost 3-0 at home to Anthering before squandering a 4-2 lead in the return leg, ultimately falling to a 3-3 draw that cost them promotion. The direct comparison—Anthering’s 4-2 win in Berndorf and 3-3 draw at home—decided the title, and the bitterness lingers.
According to Ligaportal, the two clubs have met five times in the last two years, with Anthering holding a 3-2 edge in head-to-heads. But this season, Berndorf’s tactical adjustments—including a focus on counterattacks and set-piece efficiency—have neutralized Anthering’s usual dominance. “We studied their last game against Neumarkt,” Kohlbacher said. “We knew what to expect, and we executed.”
“Es werden Kleinigkeiten entscheiden.”
The Numbers Game: Who’s Ahead, and What’s Next?
With the return leg scheduled for June 22 at Anthering’s Haunsbergarena, the pressure is on both sides. Berndorf enters as slight underdogs, but their away form—winning three of their last five matches—suggests they can handle the challenge. Anthering, meanwhile, must address their defensive frailties: Berndorf’s three goals came from counterattacks, exploiting gaps in Anthering’s midfield.
| Head-to-Head (2024–2026) | Anthering Wins | Berndorf Wins | Draws |
| May 10, 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Oct 12, 2024 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Apr 27, 2024 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sep 16, 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mar 25, 2023 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 2 | 1 |
The return leg will be a test of nerves. Berndorf’s away record in the Salzburger Liga stands at 50%, but their ability to close out games—like Dicker’s free kick—could be the difference. Anthering, meanwhile, will need to replicate the defensive solidity they showed in the first half, where Berndorf’s best chances came from set pieces. If Berndorf can maintain their second-half intensity, they may well force a dramatic penalty shootout—or even a 1-0 win to seal promotion.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Both Clubs
For Berndorf, promotion to the Salzburger Liga would be a historic achievement. The club, founded in 1960, has never played at this level before. Their current squad—led by players like Kühleitner and Lindner—has shown flashes of quality, but consistency has been the issue. If they can sustain this form, they could challenge for mid-table security in their debut season.
Anthering, meanwhile, faces a different challenge. As Kronen Zeitung noted, their squad is thinner than ever, with key players like Maxi Dicker still recovering from injuries. A loss in the return leg could push them into a relegation battle of their own—one they may not survive. “We have to be at 100%,” Kohlbacher warned. “If we’re not, Anthering will take us apart.”
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Both Teams
The return leg on June 22 will be a microcosm of the season: high stakes, tactical battles, and a single mistake deciding the outcome. If Berndorf wins, they’ll celebrate promotion immediately. If Anthering holds firm, they’ll force a penalty shootout—where their recent struggles from the spot (converting just 60% of their last five attempts) could be fatal.
Beyond the result, this playoff has already reshaped the Salzburger Liga’s power dynamics. Berndorf’s resilience suggests they’re more than a one-season wonder, while Anthering’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed. For fans of both clubs, the next 48 hours will feel like an eternity—but the real drama may only be beginning.
One thing is certain: in the world of Austrian football, where small margins decide everything, the little things will decide.
Find more reporting in our Sport section.
