1-2 defeat in the first leg against Slavia Praha

Austria Wien suffered a 1-2 defeat in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Europa Cup away at Slavia Praha. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for a good half hour and scoring a late goal, the Violets' performance was not enough to secure a draw. Courtney Strode scored the Violets' goal in the 90th minute.

Even before the game, it was clear that Slavia would not be to be underestimated. Nevertheless, the team wanted to give it their all on the pitch. The first opportunity came in the 7th minute after a throw-in by Louise Schöffel: the Prague goalkeeper misjudged the ball and came too far out of her goal, but no Austria player was in the right position to push the ball over the line.

Difficult start and early lead for Slavia

Shortly afterwards, the hosts took control. After just under ten minutes, the Prague team broke through on the right, left Weilharter standing and scored with a precise shot into the goal – no chance for goalkeeper Jassi Pal (10').

The game then developed into one in which both teams had isolated opportunities, but the number of chances on goal remained meager. Maria Agerholm tested the Czech goalkeeper in the 17th minute with a long-range shot, and shortly afterwards Carina Wenninger narrowly missed in the penalty area (20'). However, Slavia Praha remained the more dominant team, while Austria was mainly challenged defensively.

Austria improves – but without scoring

Shortly before the break, the Violets got into the game better. Anna Schorn forced the opposing keeper into a save in the 42nd minute, and a free kick from Agerholm shortly before the half-time whistle also failed to yield anything.

After the break, the picture was initially similar – few clear scoring chances, but a lot of fighting in midfield. Agerholm caused a stir in the 54th minute with a dangerous free kick that was narrowly saved. Schöffel's subsequent corner went over the goal.

Red card livens up the game – but Slavia scores again

In the 60th minute, a Slavia player was sent off with a red card after a foul on Schorn. Austria, now with a numerical advantage, pushed for the equalizer, creating several dangerous chances in front of goal, but were repeatedly denied by the home side's goalkeeper. So the numerical advantage remained unused for the time being.

Despite being a player down, Slavia struck coldly in the 70th minute: 2-0 – a bitter setback for the Violets.

Late goal keeps hopes alive

But Austria did not give up. Several shots from Agerholm (82nd, 88th) missed the target or were saved, before Courtney Strode finally scored the equalizer in the 90th minute from a few meters out after an extended cross – 2-1!

In the seven minutes of added time, the Viennese pressed vehemently for the equalizer. Pavlovć had the chance to equalize after a free kick from Agerholm (90+5), but the goalkeeper was able to secure the ball on the rebound. In the final minute, Pal made a strong save at the other end when the ball was already dancing on the line.

So it remained 2-1 at the final whistle – a bitter but not hopeless defeat for the Violets. Thanks to Strode's late goal, the Violets only need one goal in the return leg in Vienna next week to keep their hopes alive. They are not ready to give up on their dream of reaching the Europa Cup round of 16 just yet.

Slavia Praha - Austria Wien 2-1 (1-0)

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Weilharter - Weiss, Cordes (Pavlović 71') - Schöffel, Pfattner (Strode 81'), Triendl (Uka 71'), Schorn - Agerholm

Goals: Crckova (10'), Moravkova (70'); Strode (90')

Yellow card (Austria): Kenesei (45')

Sport Centre Radotin, 347 spectators, referee Milica Milanović