Austria Wien defeated by Benfica while down a player

Austria Wien’s women’s team suffered a defeat in their UEFA Women’s Champions League clash away to Benfica. After falling behind early, the ‘Violets’ fought their way back, equalizing through a penalty from Carina Wenninger. However, playing with a numerical disadvantage in the final stages, they ultimately fell to a 1–3 defeat.

The eagle was still completing its lap around the Estádio da Luz as head coach Stefan Kenesei began his team talk in the dressing room. Bolstered emotionally and full of self-confidence, the Veilchen headed out just minutes later for their fourth match of the UWCL league phase.

Despite a spirited start—including an early shot on goal from Elisa Pfattner that landed safely in the opposing goalkeeper’s hands—Benfica proved more effective in the opening minutes. The Portuguese side pushed forward, skillfully navigating through the visitors' defense, which failed to clear the ball in time. Andreia Norton’s subsequent strike found the back of the net, giving Benfica a 1–0 lead.

Veilchen find their rhythm

Austria remained unfazed, gradually settling into the match. Following a free kick, Lotta Cordes flicked the ball on with her head, but it narrowly missed the target. Yvonne Weilharter and Patricia Pfanner also managed to get shots off, though both were denied by the opposing goalkeeper. The Veilchen applied increasing pressure on Benfica, earning several set-piece opportunities. At the other end, the defensive line—anchored by Virginia Kirchberger-Prohaska, Carina Wenninger, and Lotta Cordes—stepped up to thwart further dangerous attacks. Shortly before the break, a corner kick from the hosts created a tense moment, but Cordes managed to clear the ball from the danger zone just in time. Despite holding a clear advantage in terms of goal attempts (7–2), Austria headed into the dressing room trailing 0–1.

Wenninger converts from the spot

After the restart, the Veilchen picked up exactly where they had left off. Katharina Schiechtl tested the Benfica goalkeeper with a sharp strike, which the keeper managed to deflect just wide. In the 53rd minute, a golden opportunity for an equalizer arose: after the opposing goalkeeper fouled Cordes, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Wenninger stepped up and coolly converted to make it a well-deserved 1-1! Austria kept the pressure on, continuing to push forward. Pfanner set up Verena Hanshaw with a strong pass, but her shot failed to find the net. The "Violets" were also tested defensively; Schiechtl, in particular, thwarted several Portuguese attacks with some crucial interventions.

Red card for Pal and UWCL debut for Goetz

In the 73rd minute, another setback occurred: following a loss of possession, Jasmin Pal rushed out of her goal to clear the danger, but she collided with an opposing player and was shown a red card. Emma Goetz came on to replace her, taking her place between the posts. She handled the ensuing free kick with composure, but was beaten by the following corner kick, allowing Benfica to take a 2-1 lead. Goetz subsequently distinguished herself with several saves, keeping the Veilchen in the match. In the final stages, the Austrian side threw everything forward. A combination play involving Valentina Pötzl and Almedina Šišić reached Pfattner, but her effort was saved by the Benfica goalkeeper. In stoppage time, the hosts exploited a gap in the visitors' defense to make it 3-1. Shortly thereafter, Goetz produced another strong save to prevent the deficit from growing further.

Ultimately, despite a spirited performance in a match that remained competitive for long stretches, the "Violets" were defeated 3-1 in Lisbon. Next week, the "Violets" will face another major opponent when they take on Bayern Munich at home at the Franz-Horr-Stadion.

Benfica vs. Austria Wien 3:1 (1:0)

Austria: Pal - Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger, Prohaska - Weilharter, Cordes (Goetz 75'), Weiss (Jakobsen 65'), Hanshaw (Schorn 85') - Pfattner, Pfanner (Šišić 65'), Pötzl

Goals: Norton (5'), Wenninger (53', pen.), Møller (76'), Raysla (90+3')

Yellow cards (Austria): Weiss (30'), Cordes (37'), Schiechtl (57')

Estádio da Luz, 1,913 fans, referee Carolina Lanssens