Opening loss for Austria: WAC dismantles Vienna side in Wolfsberg 3:0

The final word was again Vrioni's, as he converted his second penalty of the day in the 63rd minute and lifted the scoreline to 3:0. Two penalties conceded against an opponent that had only been called upon for a European competitive match on Thursday underlined the carelessness in the Austria defence.

Dress rehearsal missed

For the Vienna side, the international week now begins with a heavy defeat in their luggage. On Thursday awaits the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Conference League away to Beitar Jerusalem, to be played in Ploiesti. The timing of the loss could hardly be worse: instead of travelling with confidence, Austria now heads into a match in which a small cushion for the second leg should already have been secured with a small cushion for the return leg.

Coach and team now stand directly before a pivotal week. Already on Sunday the Vienna side host WAC for the Conference League return leg – sorry, the domestic counterpart – while in the background the preparation for Beitar Jerusalem must be underway. The dress rehearsal has thoroughly misfired.

Defence a cause for concern

At Austria Wien, the analysis after this defeat will likely focus on two areas: in chance conversion and in defensive organisation at set pieces. Two penalties conceded in a match against a nominally comparable opponent is a clear warning signal in the Bundesliga.

WAC, on the other hand, can take confidence from this display for the tasks ahead. The team from Wolfsberg presented themselves aggressive in the duels, ice-cold in front of goal, and took the chances that came their way with consistency. The performance against a top Viennese club will give those responsible in the Lavanttal valley optimism for the rest of the season.

Focus on Beitar Jerusalem

For Austria Wien, after this false start only the European away match on Thursday counts. If the Conference League project is to continue, a clear improvement in all areas of the team is needed. The dress rehearsal has failed, and the main rehearsal follows in a few days on the international stage.