Austria in Cup final for the third year running!

The Violets have done it again: with a 2-0 win in the semi-final of the ÖFB Women’s Cup against Sturm Graz, the women in violet have reached the final for the third year running. The two teams were locked in a fierce battle, with Austria Wien dominating proceedings for long stretches of the match. In the end, Yvonne Weilharter secured their place in the final with a brace.

From the outset, the Viennese side tried to build up pressure. As early as the 4th minute, Modesta Uka tested the Graz defence for the first time, though her shot posed no real threat. Following a foul on Elisa Pfattner, Uka delivered a well-taken free-kick into the penalty area, but there was no one there to meet it (8'). The Violets repeatedly threatened the goal during this phase, but initially lacked the necessary precision in front of goal.

In the 21st minute, the deserved lead finally arrived: Louise Schöffel powered her way down the wing and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Yvonne Weilharter was perfectly positioned to slot home for 1-0. Even after that, Austria Wien remained the more active side and controlled the game.

Weilharter clinical, Schöffel with incredible pace

Sturm Graz had only a few sporadic chances, which initially posed no threat. At the other end, the Violets tried to extend their lead further, for instance through a long-range shot by Lena Triendl (32’) or a free-kick (34’), but the ball failed to find the net again. Just before half-time, things got dicey once more: In stoppage time of the first half, Anna Wirnsberger ran towards goal unmarked, but Schöffel sprinted back, caught up with her and cleared the danger. The teams went into the half-time break with a narrow but deserved 1-0 lead.

Austria Wien continued to set the tone after the break. Schöffel had two attempts on goal (49’, 51’), but narrowly missed the target. Despite numerous set-pieces – corners and free-kicks – efficiency was initially lacking. In the 58th minute, Schöffel caused a stir once again when she dribbled past several opponents, but her shot was saved by the goalkeeper and her follow-up attempt also failed to find the net.

A brief shock, then Weilharter’s brace

Sturm Graz created chances mainly from set-pieces, but Pal was always on hand – as she was with a corner in stoppage time (90+1') and further late attempts. Things got dramatic in the 92nd minute when the referee initially awarded a penalty to Graz. However, after consulting with the lineswoman, this decision was overturned.

In the closing stages, Sturm Graz pushed for an equaliser, but Austria Wien defended resolutely. In the 96th minute, Weilharter had the chance to score her second, but sent the ball narrowly wide of the goal. She did better in the very last move of the game: in the 100th minute, she sealed the victory with her second goal, making it 2-0.

Final against Red Bull Salzburg

Weilharter thus crowned her strong performance with a brace and deservedly led the Veilchen into the final. The Veilchen thus remain in contention for their first title. The final takes place on 14 May at 2:30 pm against Red Bull Salzburg. Further details will follow shortly.

Austria Wien – Sturm Graz 2-0 (1-0)

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger – Schöffel, Weiss, Cordes (Schneeberger 90+3.), Weilharter – Pfattner (Pucci 90.), Uka (Škorvánková 72.), Triendl (Strode 72.)

Goals: Weilharter (21., 90+10.)

Generali Arena, 681 fans, referee Fabienne Hofer