Austria Wien snatches title from St. Pölten with last-minute drama and wins championship for the first time

A Final with a Thrilling Finish

The match was hard-fought from the start. As early as the 10th minute, Tatjana Weiss headed over the goal, and two minutes later, St. Pölten's goalkeeper Carina Schlüter saved a header from Katharina Schiechtl. In the 62nd minute, Schlüter parried a free kick from Modesta Uka, while on the other side, Jasmin Pal saved a shot from Ludmila Matavkova in the 65th minute, set up by Fanni Nagy.

At the final whistle, boundless jubilation erupted at Austria Wien. Coach Stefan Kenesei said: "It was a superb season with the European Cup trips, with the Cup match, and now this dramatic final. It couldn't have been much better. It was the reward for hard work."

The defending champions from St. Pölten, who had previously won ten championships in a row, had to settle for second place. Captain Jennifer Klein explained: "It was a very, very tough season for us. Many new players, many injuries, illnesses. We fought our way back despite it all. To concede a draw like that in the last game is insane. It will take a few weeks to process."

St. Pölten's Era Ends – Austria Undefeated

St. Pölten's coach Laurent Fassotte, who took over the team in October from Lisa Alzner, was unhappy with the refereeing: "I don't understand why the game was restarted after our goal, it was the last action of the game. Some of the referee's decisions were not fortunate."

Austria Wien finished the season undefeated nationally. In 29 competitive matches – league and cup – there was not a single defeat. The league record: 19 wins and 5 draws, with four of the five draws coming in the championship group. The team had also previously won the ÖFB Women's Cup, completing the double.

Carina Wenninger, the match-winner of the evening, said: "I've never experienced anything like today. Everything that football can write happened, the last three minutes were unbelievable." Regarding her goal, she commented: "Definitely the most decisive."

Voices on Winning the Title

Teammate Lena Triendl added: "Nobody would believe you if you told them. For us, it's mega awesome." Wenninger also emphasized the team's consistency: "The title reflects our consistency throughout the year; SKN was the better team in the playoffs."

Jasmin Pal, who was voted best goalkeeper of the season, said: "I am incredibly grateful, it shows that I am back." The 29-year-old played a significant role in winning the title with strong saves.

For St. Pölten, the focus now shifts to the Champions League qualification via the league path, starting from the second round. Austria Wien, on the other hand, as champions, will take the champions' path and compete in the premier European competition next season. Additionally, the club reached the quarterfinals of the Women's Europa Cup this season.

Outlook: Champions League and Derby

After the final whistle, the players and staff let their emotions run wild. Stefan Kenesei announced: "We'll have a drink or two. We won't get much sleep." Wenninger already looked ahead: "It's brutally difficult to win something, but staying on top is even harder. We need a squad that can compete for the title again."