Historic Achievement for FK Austria Wien in Europa Cup
Austria Wien Makes History in the Europa Cup
FK Austria Wien has made history by becoming the first Austrian women’s team to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa Cup. They secured their place with a convincing aggregate score of 3-1 against the Belgian Women’s Super League side, Anderlecht.
The previous and only instance of an Austrian women’s team reaching the European quarter-finals was SV Neulengbach in the 2013/14 season, where they were eventually eliminated by Tyresö FF from Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Attendance and Poignant Coincidence
An audience of 1,911 supporters witnessed the match at the Franz-Horr Arena, a poetic Attendance number reflecting the year the club was established, 1911.
Starting Line-ups
Fußballklub Austria Wien
- Pal; Schöffel; Weiss; Cordes; Schiechtl; Strode; Kirchberger; Triendl; Uka; Weilharter; Wenninger (C).
Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht
- Waldbillig; Deloose; De Caigny; Meersman; Ijzersman; Minnaert; Delabre; Vastafu; Vanzeir; Jonusaite; Kristjánsdóttir (C).
Austria Wien Dominates the Match
Austria Wien entered the match with an advantage after a first-leg goal from Almedina Šišić left the aggregate at 1-0. The home team quickly asserted their dominance in the second leg, with American forward Courtney Strode coming close to scoring in the fourth minute.
Katharina Schiechtl was the first to make an impact, scoring to give Wien a 1-0 lead. Modesta Uka skillfully maneuvered past three defenders before assisting Schiechtl, who composedly slotted the ball into the net past Anderlecht’s goalkeeper, Aude Waldbillig.
A Stunning Goal Seals the Victory
In the 54th minute, a moment of pure elation erupted among the home fans as Courtney Strode unleashed a spectacular shot from 40 yards out, effectively extending Austria Wien’s lead to 3-0 on aggregate. With this commanding performance, their place in history seemed secure.
Post-match, Strode expressed her exhilaration, stating, “It feels amazing, we worked so hard to get here. I saw the goalkeeper was out and off her line, and I just thought to myself, OK, go for it.”
Late Consolation for Anderlecht
Anderlecht managed to reduce the deficit with a consolation goal from substitute Klara Folkesson, who was previously signed from the Swedish club Hammarby, in the 78th minute. Despite a strong effort from the Belgian side to equalize, Austria Wien maintained their composure throughout the match.
Upcoming Fixtures for FK Austria Wien
FK Austria Wien’s next challenge will be against First Vienna in the ÖFB Frauen Bundesliga, scheduled for November 23rd. They aim to reinforce their five-point lead in the league standings over SKN St. Pölten as they strive for an unbeaten season.
Looking ahead, Austria Wien will face Slavia Prague in the Europa Cup quarter-finals after Slavia overcame Young Boys in the previous round.
