Austria Women lose first leg in Bergen after penalty in stoppage time

Brann Bergen, the top Norwegian side, used their home advantage and played with pressure in front of their own crowd. The Austria defence came under repeated pressure but was able to hold their own for long stretches of the match.

Key player for the visitors was Lauren Davidson, who tried to structure the Vienna-based women's play in midfield. Goalkeeper Jasmin Pal was also called into action on multiple occasions and was able to prevent worse.

Situation ahead of the return leg

On the other side, Lotta Cordes, Verena Hanshaw and Elisa Pfattner were further players who played a key role in Austria's squad. However, the interplay between attack and defence fell short of expectations.

The Vienna-based women had set themselves ambitious goals for the current season and had set out with the aim of clearing the first-leg playoff hurdle. Now they must step up a gear in the return leg in front of their own fans.

From an Austrian perspective, the result is not yet final despite the narrow defeat. The return leg in their home stadium offers the chance to overturn the deficit and still realise promotion to the next round.

For the Norwegian side, the victory means a solid starting position. An away draw with goals would already be enough to get through the round – meaning Austria are condemned to win.