Conference League: Wiener Austria to face Beitar Jerusalem in the second qualifying round

Personnel and Expectations

On the Israeli side, Noam Muche is a player Austria's officials singled out during their preparation. Muche is regarded as one of the most outstanding performers in the current season of the domestic Ligat haaretz. Beitar's coach and the club have announced they will line up with a full attacking formation in order to secure a strong position for the return leg in Vienna already in the first leg.

From a sporting perspective, the key question for Austria is whether the team can build on its performances from recent league matches. The start in the domestic Bundesliga was mixed, and the aim now is to regain confidence on the international stage. With Julian Hettwer, who impressed in the friendlies, there is also a player ready to provide offensive penetration.

The return leg in Vienna is scheduled for next week; exact kick-off times have not yet been confirmed by UEFA. What is clear: the winner of this tie will face a stronger opponent in the third qualifying round, possibly drawn from the pot of seeded teams. Austria is expecting a full stadium in Jerusalem and a heated crowd.

Travel, Security and Broadcast

Travel-wise, Austria had already had to depart for Israel on a charter flight the day before. Due to the tense security situation in the region, special protective measures apply for the delegation. The Austrian federation is in close contact with the Israeli authorities and with UEFA security officials.

Broadcast: The first leg will be shown live on Austrian free-to-air television from 7:30 p.m., with various streaming services also carrying the match. The commentator is Oliver Oberhammer, with former national team player Martin Scherb appearing in the studio as an expert.

For coach Stephan Helm, who has only been in charge of Austria since the start of this season, this is the first competitive match on the international stage. He said before the game: „Unsere Spieler – ob jung oder alt – können in solchen internationalen Duellen wertvolle Erfahrungen sammeln, die für ihre Entwicklung viel wert sind."

Statistics and State of Play

Statistically, the record slightly favors Beitar: in six European home games last season, the club did not suffer a defeat. Austria, on the other hand, has not played a competitive match in Israel since 2022. The state of play ahead of the tie is therefore wide open.

Austria's likely starting lineup will be decided after the final training session on matchday. What is certain is that the team will line up with the same basic defensive shape as recently in the league, but is aiming for controlled ball circulation in midfield.

Economic Significance for Beitar

For Beitar Jerusalem, the match against an Austrian representative is not only significant from a sporting perspective, but also financially. Success in the Conference League would noticeably increase the revenues from UEFA prize money. Beitar president Tzurit Pessach had stressed a week ago that the club wants to play a role on the international stage again.

Austria fans are also traveling to Jerusalem on a special flight. Around 350 supporters have signed up and are expected to be accommodated in the away section of the Teddy Stadium.