Strong 1-1 draw against league leaders

The Violets faced SKN St. Pölten at home in the Generali-Arena in the historic opener of the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga championship group. After their opponents took the lead in the first half, Virginia Kirchberger equalised in the second half. In a strong duel at eye level, Austria Wien was thus able to secure a point in the first game of the championship group.

The first match of the championship group was a highly challenging task for the Violets. However, in an intense and evenly-matched game over long stretches, the Viennese side showed from the outset that they had no intention of hiding against the Lower Austrians.

Bold start by the Violets

The Violets made their first impression as early as the 7th minute. However, after a corner kick by Sara Pavlović, the opposing goalkeeper was able to catch the ball safely. The first great chance followed just three minutes later: Pavlovic set up Verena Volkmer, whose header was only just defused by Schlüter (10').

St. Pölten take the lead - but Austria hold on

In the 19th minute, SKN took advantage of a moment of carelessness in the violet defence: A wall pass was consistently finished off - 1-0 from the Wolves' point of view. But the hosts were not discouraged by this. They tried to equalise a short time later, but the SKN goalkeeper was on hand again (22').

The match developed into an open exchange of blows, with both teams going toe-to-toe, especially in midfield. The Violets repeatedly made dangerous forays forward: In the 33rd minute, Yvonne Weilharter made a strong tackle, but her cross found no takers in the penalty area. Kathi Schiechtl's spectacular overhead kick in the 39th minute also landed directly into the arms of the well-preserved SKN goalkeeper.

Reward after the break

After the break, the Violets pressed for an equaliser. In the 54th minute, Weilharter tried again with a shot on goal, but the opposing goalkeeper was able to parry it away. But just one minute later, the time had finally come: Pavlović delivered a corner kick to the centre, where Virginia Kirchberger was in the right place to push the ball over the line - 1-1!

The turnaround was almost perfect: Volkmer took advantage of a mistake in the SKN defence when they were too far out together with the goalkeeper and tried a lob, but the ball went just wide of the goal (57'). Austria continued to be dangerous in attack, but missed further good chances, including a shot from Louise Schöffel into the side netting in the 63rd minute.

Strong defence secures the point

The final phase also remained exciting. SKN St. Pölten pressed for the win, but Austria goalkeeper Haidner reacted strongly and kept fending off balls (81'). With a focussed defensive performance, the Violets finally secured a well-deserved point.

Austria Wien put in a strong performance against the Wolves and were rewarded with a point in their first match in the championship group. With a good mixture of fighting spirit, tactical discipline and dangerous attacking actions, the Violets were able to send out a clear signal at the start of these championship group duels.

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

Austria: Haidner - Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger - Schorn (Satra 76'), Schneeberger (Schäfer 87'), Pavlović (Rapf 66'), Weilharter - Schöffel (Moser 87'), Volkmer ©, Triendl

Goals: Brunold (19'), Kirchberger (55')

Yellow cards: Dubcova (71'), Kirchberger (78'), Volkmer (87')

Generali-Arena, 576 fans, referee Davor Divkovic