Violets secure a strong 0-0 draw in Paris!

Austria Wien fought hard to secure a strong 0-0 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier against favourites Paris FC. At the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris, the Violets kept a compact defence, made pinpricks up front and thus secured a good starting position for the second leg in Vienna.

Right from the start, the Viennese showed that they had not travelled to Paris just to relax: Tatjana Weiss tested her opponents' nerves with a shot in the very first minute. A free kick in the 7th minute also caused danger, before the French gradually developed the expected superiority.

Pal keeps a clean sheet

Paris FC increasingly pushed Austria back into their own half, but the defence around Carina Wenninger, Virginia Kirchberger and Kathi Schiechtl remained stable. Goalkeeper Jasmin Pal once again proved to be the key figure: in the 27th minute, she made a strong save and helped the Violets out of a few tricky situations afterwards.

The hosts' best chance came in the 41st minute when a shot crashed against the crossbar and could only be cleared by Schiechtl. Shortly before half-time, the Parisians had another shot that hit the woodwork, but Austria survived this period of pressure.

A combative second half

After the break, the Violets looked fresher again and created chances of their own through Louise Schöffel and later Elisa Pfattner. Head coach Stefan Kenesei finally brought on fresh legs: Modesta Uka and Lotta Cordes (64') as well as Almedina Šišić (75') provided new energy. However, chances remained unused on both sides. Pal remained confident in the closing stages, while the Viennese were unable to capitalise on their few chances.

After 90 intense minutes, the scoreboard showed a goalless draw, meaning Pal kept a clean sheet for the seventh time this season. This was a great success for Austria Wien – the underdogs not only held their own against favourites Paris FC, but also showed courage in their attacking play. With the 0-0 draw, the Violets now have every chance of causing an upset in the second leg in Vienna and keeping their Champions League dream alive.

Paris FC - Austria Wien 0-0

Austria: Pal – Wenninger, Schiechtl, Kirchberger - Weiss, Pavlović (Cordes 64.) - Schöffel, Pfattner (Pucci 90+2.), Triendl (Uka 64.), Weilharter - Strode (Šišić 75.)

Stade Jean-Bouin, referee Shona Shukrula