A bitter end robs Veilchen of two points against Inter

Austria Wien engaged in an intense UEFA Women's Champions League duel with Inter Milan, delivering a spirited performance for much of the match. However, after a strong first half and taking the lead through Modesta Uka, the "Violets" ultimately conceded a late goal. As a result, they secured just one point from their second UWCL match.

The Veilchen made a bold start to the match, putting Inter under pressure early on. As early as the third minute, Modesta Uka combined with Valentina Pötzl to push forward before the opposition managed to halt the attack. Shortly after, Patricia Pfanner created a dangerous moment with the match's first shot on goal, but the Milan goalkeeper was up to the task. Austria continued to create good chances; Pötzl, in particular, made her mark with a long-range effort that went just over the crossbar.

Uka sparks celebrations for the Veilchen

In the 21st minute, Austria’s spirited performance was finally rewarded: a ball played forward from the back found Uka, who unleashed a shot from distance and found the back of the Milan net in spectacular fashion. The Violets were leading 1–0! Defensively, Jasmin Pal and her teammates stood firm, thwarting several dangerous attempts. Austria remained a threat from set-pieces as well but could not extend their lead before the break.

Inter ramps up the pressure

After the interval, Inter responded with four substitutions and emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy. The Italians became more active, yet the Violets held their ground. In the 55th minute, Uka tested the opposing goalkeeper with a free-kick, and Austria also created danger from the flanks. Following a fine delivery, Verena Hanshaw sent a high ball into the penalty area in the 59th minute; Carina Wenninger connected with a header but was unable to beat the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Pal was called into action several times. The Austria goalkeeper demonstrated her class, particularly in the 72nd minute, when she made a crucial intervention to make life difficult for an Inter player bearing down on goal alone. Wenninger also repeatedly threw herself into opposition attacks, thwarting further chances. For their part, the Veilchen tried to relieve the pressure with attacks of their own, but a shot by Lotta Cordes in the 82nd minute went wide.

Equalizer in stoppage time

In the closing stages, Inter ramped up the pressure, pushing Austria deeper and deeper into their own half. The Veilchen defended valiantly, initially withstanding a free-kick and several dangerous attacks. Pal also remained reliable during a free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time. However, things became precarious again when Inter were awarded a corner in stoppage time.

The Austria defense managed to clear the ball several times initially, but it eventually found the back of the net before Pal could intervene decisively. Inter thus secured a late 1–1 equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time. It was a bitter end to the match for the Veilchen, who had led for a long time and defended their lead until the final minutes. Nevertheless, it was a strong performance in a match that ultimately yielded their first point of the UWCL league phase.

Austria Wien vs. Inter Milan 1–1 (1–0)

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger – Schöffel, Pfattner (Cordes 77'), Weiss, Hanshaw – Pötzl (Šišić 85'), Uka, Pfanner (Jakobsen 68')

Goals: Uka (21'), Andres Sanz (90+4')

Yellow cards (Austria): Weiss (47'), Schöffel (59')

Franz-Horr-Stadion, 3,609 fans; Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer