FK Austria Wien secured their first point in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage on Thursday evening, but surrendered a historic victory in the final seconds when a corner resulted in an own goal by Verena Hanshaw, giving Inter Mailand a 1-1 draw at the Franz-Horr-Stadium.
Early Dominance and Uka’s Breakthrough
Playing before a record crowd of 3,609 fans in Vienna, the hosts started the match with intense pressure. Modesta Uka and Valentina Pötzl combined early in the third minute before the Italian defense intervened. Patricia Pfanner tested the visitors’ goalkeeper shortly after with the match’s first shot on target, while Pötzl fired a long-range effort just over the crossbar.
The pressure paid off in the 21st minute. A long ball launched from behind was flicked onward, landing for Uka. She drove a long-range strike past the Inter goalkeeper to send the home supporters and the team bench into celebrations. The 1-0 lead held through the first half as Austria goalkeeper Jasmin Pal and her backline cleared several dangerous finishes and set-piece threats.
Pal Makes Crucial Stops to Maintain Lead
Inter Mailand coach David Sassarini made four substitutions at halftime, injecting immediate energy into the Italian side. In the 55th minute, Uka tested the opposing keeper with a free kick, and soon after, Verena Hanshaw floated a cross into the area that Carina Wenninger met with a header, though it failed to beat the goalkeeper.
As Inter mounted sustained pressure, Pal kept the narrow lead intact with several crucial stops. In the 72nd minute, the Austria goalkeeper thwarted an Inter attacker who broke clear on goal in a one-on-one situation. Wenninger and the defensive block repeatedly threw themselves into challenges and blocked possibilities as the clock wound down toward regulation.
Late Drama in the 90th Minute
As the match ticked into stoppage time, the home side defended desperately against Italian attacks. Pal collected a secure save from a free kick in the 91st minute. However, in the 93rd minute, Inter earned a corner kick. The initial delivery was cleared multiple times by the Austria defense, but before Pal could secure the loose ball, the deflection bounced off Hanshaw and into the net for an equalizer at 94 minutes.
Head coach Stephan Kenesei expressed frustration after the final whistle. He noted that while the overall performance of the squad was commendable, conceding so late in the match was painful. He added that the team needs to make the game clear earlier.
Austria Wien Earns a Point After Draw
Despite the heartbreak of a dropped victory, goalkeeper Pal emphasized that the squad should hold their heads high after earning a point. The result marks Austria Wien’s second fixture in the group stage following a 0-1 defeat away to Chelsea in London.
The team will look to channel the strong performance into their upcoming fixtures as the campaign continues.
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