WALS-SIEZENHEIM, Austria (Interstat) — In a stunning Austrian 2. Liga upset, last-place Liefering handed league-leading Sankt Pölten its first defeat of the season with a 3-1 victory at Red Bull Arena on Friday.

The result defied overwhelming pregame projections, which heavily favored the visiting side. Entering the match, Sankt Pölten had been undefeated across all competitions this season.

The match began with Sankt Pölten applying early pressure, but the game’s complexion changed dramatically in a two-minute span just after halftime.

Liefering broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Rocco Žiković found the net. Before the visitors could regroup, Marco Hausjell doubled the home side’s lead in the 50th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Sankt Pölten, which had not lost in 13 matches across all competitions coming into the game, managed a response in the 63rd minute. Jakob Brandtner, who had received a yellow card in the 14th minute, scored to cut the deficit to 2-1 and temporarily shift the momentum.

Liefering, however, sealed the victory eight minutes later. Oliver Lukić scored in the 71st minute to restore the two-goal cushion and secure three critical points for his team.

The match was a physical affair, with five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Brandtner’s early booking was followed by cautions for Liefering’s Marc Striednig in the 24th minute and Leomend Krasniqi in the 67th. Julian Hussauf of Liefering was booked in the 82nd minute, and Sankt Pölten’s Valentin Zabransky received a yellow in the 90th minute.

The loss is a significant blemish on Sankt Pölten’s otherwise perfect league record. Their season tally in the 2. Liga now stands at eight wins, one draw and one loss. Their record across all competitions moves to 11 wins, two draws and one loss.

For Liefering, the victory provides a massive boost, moving their 2. Liga record to one win, three draws and one loss. Their overall record across all competitions improves to one win, four draws and one loss.

Sankt Pölten will look to rebound on Wednesday, Oct. 29, when they host Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Cup. Their next league fixture is at home against Floridsdorfer on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Liefering’s next match is on the road against Austria Vienna on Saturday, Nov. 1.