Austria makes a strong impression despite narrow loss on debut

The Vienna Austria women gave a strong performance in their debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against the eight‑time English champions Chelsea. Despite a narrow 0‑1 defeat they showed that they can play level with the favourite and left a lasting impression on the fans.

Austria, the current double winner, met Chelsea, the eight‑time English champions, on Wednesday. The match was largely evenly balanced, so a draw would not have been unjustified. The report by Matthew Childs (Reuters) summarises the events.

"We have shown how good we actually are, even though Chelsea is essentially in a different league. We have proved that more is possible," said striker Modesta Uka.

Pressing and early chances

Austria employed their aggressive attacking press, which gave the Londoners big problems. Valentina Pötzl, Modesta Uka and Patricia Pfanner formed the most offensive three‑man line in a 3‑4‑3 formation. Already in the eleventh minute Wieke Kaptein scored the opening goal for Chelsea.

Just before halftime Louise Schöffel tried to equalise with a solo in the 40th minute, but without success. In the 76th minute a shot from Modesta Uka hit the keeper and was saved. After the half‑time break Pötzl commented: "We already held up really well in the first half of a very intense game."

On the pitch coach Stefan Kenesei showed a little disappointment over the missed chances, but emphasised the "very good performance" of his team. He added that the team was partially superior in the second period.

Outlook: next opponents

On Thursday at 18:45 Austria will host the Italian top club Inter Milan in the Generali Arena. Inter, which on Tuesday won 1‑0 against Häcken thanks to an early Bugeja goal, is considered another strong opponent. Kenesei explained: "With Inter the next big name awaits, again an outstanding team."

In the domestic ÖFB women’s league Austria currently sits jointly on 14th place out of 18, with the top twelve after six matches advancing to the knockout phase. Compared with last season’s St. Pölten, which only collected one point and suffered a 0‑6 loss to Chelsea, Austria wants to finish much better. Pötzl stressed: "If we keep fighting with the intensity, there is still a lot left in the Champions League."

The next league showdown is on Sunday the match against Sturm Graz. In addition, further Champions League duels against Juventus Turin, Benfica Lisbon, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are scheduled.