Violets lose the first leg against SK Brann 1–2

The Violets suffered a 1–2 defeat in the first leg of the third round of UWCL qualifying. Over the 90 minutes, the women in Violet put in a spirited performance and turned the stadium in Bergen into a real cauldron of emotion. Despite Elisa Pfattner’s goal to 1–1, the Norwegians scored the goal that sealed a 2–1 victory following a controversial penalty decision.

Although the Norwegian team went into the match as favourites, the Violets made an active and confident start to the game at Brann Stadium. Within just a few minutes, they had won two corners, though these came to nothing (6’). Elisa Pfattner capitalised on the energy of the opening minutes and tried her luck shortly afterwards with a long-range shot, which was, however, cleared by an opponent’s header (8’). But at the other end, a corner also went unused and was successfully cleared by the Violet defence.

The Violets repeatedly pushed the play into the opposition’s half and showed that they had reached this final qualifying round for good reason. Despite what appeared to be a clear handball by SK Brann inside the penalty area, the Violets were denied a penalty and play continued without interruption.

Pfattner with the perfect response to falling behind

After 20 minutes, the Norwegians entered a dominant spell. They pressed consistently for the lead and, whilst the Violets were initially able to defuse the first set-pieces, the opponents eventually took the lead from another set-piece (22'). Following a high cross, Jasmin Pal stretched for the ball, but it flew over her and into the net. The fact that the Austria goalkeeper was obstructed went unpunished.

The Violets were not deterred, however, and struck back just a few minutes later. From a corner, Lotta Cordes initially tried to put the ball in the net herself, but two opponents stood in her way. Eventually, the ball fell to Pfattner, who was on hand to slot home the equaliser, making it 1–1. Shortly before half-time, Austria even had a chance to take the lead when a cross from Louise Schöffel slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands and nearly ended up in the net, before it was eventually cleared.

A penalty gift for the hosts

The match remained fiercely contested after the break. Brann started the second half with plenty of pressure, but the Violets held their ground. Just over an hour into the game, the Norwegians regained the lead – once again under controversial circumstances. Following a challenge between Cordes and a Brann player, the referee pointed to the spot, even though the opponent only went down several steps later. Pal initially saved the penalty but was unable to hold onto the ball, allowing Brann to score from the rebound to make it 2–1 (62’).

In the closing stages, the Veilchen threw everything forward once more. Schöffel fired a shot over the bar, whilst Sandra Jakobsen, having come on as a substitute, brought fresh impetus to the game and set up Modesta Uka, whose effort also went too high. Tatjana Weiss and Uka also had chances in the final minutes, but were unable to beat the opposition goalkeeper. So, in the end, it remained a narrow 1–2 defeat.

Despite trailing, everything is still possible for the Veilchen. Next Tuesday (6.00 pm), the return leg against SK Brann takes place in Vienna – where the Veilchen are determined to turn the tables.

SK Brann – Austria Wien 2–1 (1–1)

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger – Schöffel (Pucci 88’), Weiss, Cordes (Orkić 71’), Pötzl – Pfattner, Uka, Pfanner (Jakobsen 71’)

Goals: Lehtola (22'), Davidson (62'); Pfattner (26')

Yellow cards (Austria): Weiss (58'), Pal (61')

Brann Stadium, 1,875 fans; referee Alina Peşu