Austria women win Champions League qualifier against Hajduk Split 3-2

In the middle of the first half, the Austria women extended their lead further. Following a set piece and a well-timed cross, Carina Wenninger headed home to net the second goal of the evening. The defense, featuring Katharina Schiechtl and Patricia Pfanner, stood very compact in this phase, and Hajduk Split found scarcely any answer against the well-organized back line.

Still before the break, the Viennese side struck a third time: a counterattack down the right was played through to the end, and Modesta Uka finished with composure to make it 3:0. The match thus appeared to be decided early, but Hajduk Split fought their way back into the game before half-time.

Hajduk pull one back before the break

Shortly before the halftime whistle, Hajduk Split reduced the deficit: following an imprecise backpass from Katharina Schiechtl, Janja Canjevac found herself one-on-one with goalkeeper Jasmin Pal and slotted home to make it 1:3. This goal noticeably changed the dynamic of the match, as Hajduk emerged from the dressing room with renewed confidence.

In the second half, the Croatians pushed for the equalizer while Austria Wien initially waited for counterattacks. A cross from the left found Canjevac, who once again appeared in front of Jasmin Pal and pulled it back to 2:3. The match thus turned into a real nail-biter for the Austrians in the closing minutes.

Tension right through to the closing stages

The closing stages were marked by intense duels, long balls, and an Austria side sitting deep as they fought to protect their lead. The coach and substitutes continued to give instructions on the touchline, and the players threw themselves into every ball. Hajduk Split threw everything forward, but the Viennese side saw out their narrow lead.

After the final whistle, the relief on the Austrian team's side was palpable. With the 3:2 victory, Austria Wien have secured the first leg on the road to the next round of the Champions League qualifying. The team now faces the next task, once again about booking a place in the main round.

Outlook on the next round

Modesta Uka, Carina Wenninger, and Patricia Pfanner were among the defining players of that first half in which the course was set for victory. The two Canjevac goals nevertheless also show that the Austria women's defense was not yet entirely stable in the decisive moments. The coach and team will draw their lessons from this match, because in the coming rounds the error rate will need to be significantly lower.

The Austria women face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the next qualifying round. One thing is already clear: with today's victory, the Viennese side have shown that they are competitive at European level and have no need to hide from any opponent.