Home defeat in the Europa League play-off

Austria Wien had to admit defeat against Hartberg in the first round of the Europa League play-off. Dario Tadic (2) and Jodel Dossou scored for Hartberg. Benedikt Pichler and Patrick Wimmer keep up hope for the “Violets” with their goals.

Captain Alexander Grünwald couldn’t play due to slight back problems, James Jeggo took his place. Alexandar Borković started on the left in the defence instead of Stephan Zwierschitz. Christian Ilzer made a system change, Austria Wien started in a 4-4-2 system. In addition to Christoph Monschein, Benedikt Pichler started up front.

Hartberg came to the Generali-Arena with a week's break and a 4-1 win against Sturm. Coach Markus Schopp had to do without Rajko Rep in the starting line-up, the Slovenian was recently sick, and sat on the bench.

Tadic scores the lead for the guests

As against Altach, Austria Wien let the opponent move forward, lurking for quick counterattacks, which were prevented by fouls at the beginning. Hartberg had the first chance of the game, a shot by Lukas Ried after a cross by Andreas Lienhart was blocked to the corner by Erik Palmer-Brown (9’). A loss of the ball gave Jodel Dossou a chance for a steep pass on Dario Tadic, the former "Violet” was ice cold in front of Patrick Pentz and scored the 0-1 (10’). Pentz saved against Lienhart (14’), Thomas Rotter missed another great opportunity for the guests (30’) after a corner.

The “Violets” found better into the game after half an hour, Benedikt Pichler showed up in front of Rene Swete after assisted by Jeggo but was standing offside (36’). A finish by Thomas Ebner from about 20 meters was too weak (39’). A free kick by Dario Tadic ended the first half, Patrick Pentz made the save, the break started with the 0-1.

Four goals after the break

Stephan Zwierschitz replaces Michael Madl after the break, who had to stay outside with adductor problems. Alexandar Borković moved into central defence. Rajko Rep came into the game for Hartberg instead of Lukas Ried.

Austria Wien had the first opportunity after the break (56’), but Patrick Wimmer and Benedikt Pichler couldn’t make the finish. Shortly after, the “Violets” equalized, Benedikt Pichler scored with a great header after a corner from Manprit Sarkaria – 1-1 (56’).

Patrick Pentz saved a failed cross from Amadou Dante (61’). After a corner Dario Tadic scored the renewed lead for Hartberg with assistance from Rep (64’), Austria Wien was again lagging behind. Thomas Ebner had the chance for another equalizer, but hit the bar after a counterattack via Pichler (66’). A long-range shot from Monschein narrowly missed the goal (69’).

Christian Ilzer made three changes in the 70^th minute: Maximilian Sax, Vesel Demaku and Bright Edomwonyi came for Pichler, Ebner and Borković - more force in the offense. Unfortunately, the “Violets” got another goal, Jodel Dossou scored after assist from Tadic – 1-3 (74’). A lob from Tadic was defused by Pentz (77’).

The Viennese did not give up, Patrick Wimmer scored after assist by Demaku in his second attempt – 2-3 (79’). Aleksandar Jukić, substitute for Monschein, failed on Swete during injury time (90’+1’), a shot by Max Sax was deflected to the corner (90’+3’).

Austria Wien suffered a 2-3 defeat against TSV Prolactal Hartberg. On Wednesday they will start from a difficult but not hopeless point in the second round against Hartberg.

FK Austria Wien - TSV Prolactal Hartberg 2-3 (0-1)

Austria Wien: Pentz; Klein, Madl (46’ Zwierschitz), Palmer-Brown, Borković (70’ Edomwonyi); Wimmer, Ebner (70’ Demaku), Jeggo, Sarkaria; Pichler (69’ Sax), Monschein (84’ Jukić)

Hartberg: Swete; Lienhart, Rotter, Luckeneder, Klem; Nimaga (62’ Tschernegg); Dossou, Kainz, Ried (46’ Rep), Dante; Tadic (79’ Cancola)

Goals: Pichler (56’), Wimmer (79’); Tadic (10’, 64'), Dossou (74’)

Yellow cards: Madl (45’), Ebner (49’); Ried (5’), Lienhart (27’)

Generali-Arena, referee Christopher Jäger, no spectators allowed