Austria Wien celebrates first season victory against Hartberg

After the restart, Austria increased the pressure and created further opportunities early on. In the 58th minute, Marko Hoffmann extended the lead to 2-0 with a spectacular long-range strike. The midfielder was then serenaded by the supporters with chants.

Hartberg, however, refused to give up and fought back against the looming defeat. In the 72nd minute, Samuel Sahin-Radlinger pulled one back with a direct free kick from around twenty metres, making it 2-1. In the closing stages the visitors pushed for an equaliser, but the Vienna back line, marshalled by goalkeeper Sahin-Radlinger – who had started the match in Austria's goal – withstood the pressure.

On-Pitch Highlights and Key Battles

In the closing stages Austria showed nerves of steel and saw out the narrow lead. The substituted Violets goalkeeper also pulled off a fine save in the final minutes to deny the Styrians a clear chance, securing the hard-fought win.

Coach Schmid sounded relieved after the final whistle and spoke of an important step in the team's further development. "Die Jungs haben heute über 90 Minuten alles investiert und sich für ihren Aufwand belohnt", he said at the press conference.

Reaction to the Match

The travelling Hartberg fans proved to be fair losers and applauded the hosts after the final whistle. Austria now head into next weekend's away fixture with renewed confidence.

Austria Wien used a broad rotation. In the 61st minute a triple change was made: Marko Hoffmann came on for Wustinger, Manfred Fischer replaced Saljic, and Eggestein was brought on for Boateng. In the 75th minute Maybach replaced the academy product Nnodim, and in the 85th minute Feddersen came on for Hettwer.

Verbatim quote (de): Nnodim (75. Maybach), Lee K., Wustinger (61. Markovic), Lee T. – Hettwer (85. Feddersen), Saljic (61. Fischer) – Boateng (61. Eggestein)