2-1 home win against SKN St. Pölten

Austria Wien made a real statement in the match of the 12th round of the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga. The Violets defeated SKN St. Pölten 2-1 at their home stadium, celebrating their third victory in three matches against the Wolves this season. At the same time, Austria extended their lead at the top of the table to six points. The Violet goals were scored by Virginia Kirchberger (68') and Katharina Schiechtl (71'), while Jasmin Pal saved a penalty (55').

The visitors from St. Pölten started the game very compact and deep, making it difficult for the hosts to get forward from the start, as expected. Nevertheless, the first offensive actions belonged to the Violets: in the 4th minute, Modesta Uka dribbled through and passed to Lotta Cordes, whose header went straight to the goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, keeper Jasmin Pal had to intervene for the first time (6'), before she was also in the right place to deal with a corner from the Wolves (9').

Goalless first half

Austria remained in control, but initially failed to create any clear-cut chances. After a corner in the 11th minute and another good opportunity for Carina Wenninger (12'), which was stopped by the goalkeeper, the final metre or precision was often lacking. A free kick from Uka (22') and a long-range effort from Cordes (30') also missed the target. So, despite the Veilchen's dominance, the teams went into the break goalless.

Pal saves penalty

After the break, SKN were more active than before. In the 51st minute, the Wolves made their first dangerous foray forward, but the shot rolled just wide of the goal. Three minutes later, they had a great chance to take the lead: a penalty for St. Pölten. But Austria goalkeeper Jasmin Pal kept her nerve, guessed the direction correctly and saved the penalty from SKN captain Jennifer Klein.

Two goals in two and a half minutes

Austria then took control again. After several attempts, it was finally a set piece that gave them the lead: in the 68th minute, Uka quickly played a free kick to Louise Schöffel, whose cross was perfectly headed in by Virginia Kirchberger – 1-0 to the Violets. Just three minutes later, Austria added another: Uka took another free kick, this time Katharina Schiechtl headed the ball into the far corner – 2-0.

However, SKN did not give up and got back into the game in the 78th minute. After a cross past Schöffel, Brunold was in the right place at the right time and headed home to make it 1-2. The final stages were hectic once again, but Pal showed her class with another free kick (81'). At the other end, Courtney Strode missed the chance to seal the win in the 88th minute, her shot going over the bar.

Austria extends its lead at the top of the table

In the end, Austria Wien held on for a 2-1 win. The Violets thus impressively confirmed their dominance, winning their third game of the season against SKN St. Pölten and extending their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Austria Wien - SKN St. Pölten 2-1 (0-0)

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger - Schöffel, Weiss, Cordes (Pucci 90'), Weilharter - Škorvánková (Šišić 81'), Uka (Strode 81'), Triendl

Goals: Kirchberger (68'), Schiechtl (71'); Brunold (78')

Generali Arena, 524 fans, referee Fabienne Hofer