Kenesei: "It's bitter that we don't have four points"

A bitter Champions League evening for the women of FK Austria Wien!

Until the 93rd minute, their first victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League seemed secured, but then Inter Milan managed to equalize in the very last minute (to the match report >>>).

"It's the second Champions League match in our history, and for the second time, I'm not 100 percent happy," said coach Stefan Kenesei immediately after the match. "We deserved more for the second time," grumbled the 41-year-old.

Against FC Chelsea, the Austrians narrowly missed out on a sensational point, and against Inter, victory seemed to be in the bag. Especially in the first half, the Viennese delivered a dominant performance, with hardly anything to be seen from the Italians.

"Then the game looks different again"

In that phase, they probably should have, and could have, scored another goal. "We could have scored another goal in the first half, then the game would look different. I'm not happy that it only turned into one point," the frustration is palpable.

In the second half, the visitors found their way into the game better and better, and David Sassarini made four substitutions at halftime. Inter created several dangerous chances, and goalkeeper Jasmin Pal saved twice in one-on-one situations (72nd, 78th).

Nevertheless, they are very proud of the performance shown. "I think we were very brave and attacked well forward; it was very intense. Unfortunately, we conceded the goal, undeservedly, I think, because we fought really well. But that's just how it is in football," said goal scorer Modesta Uka.

Thanks to the Team

Modesta Uka scored with a long-range shot in the 21st minute to make it 1-0 – the first goal for the Austrian women in the Champions League. The celebration was, of course, big. "Of course, I'm very happy, but I have to thank my team; without them, I wouldn't have done it," said the Kosovan about her goal.

The convincing performance in the first half of the game was not surprising to her.

New Attendance Record

On this historic evening, the fans provided great support. 3,609 fans made their way to the stadium on Thursday evening, more than ever before at a home game for the Austrian women. For the first time, the East Stand was also open, where a significant number of fans created an atmosphere for the full duration of the match.

Coach Kenesei especially refers to the game in London, where only a little over 1000 fans came. "Then we play here at home in the supposedly small football nation of Austria, and so many spectators come," said Kenesei.

Goalkeeper Jasmin Pal said: "We are really grateful for everyone who was there and who could watch. We really appreciate how cool the atmosphere was." For Kenesei, the performance is "reason enough for even more spectators to come next time."

Austria has Arrived

After two of six match days in the league phase, the Austrian women now have one point. If you watched the games, you know that more would have been possible here. One thing is certain: Austria has arrived in the Women's Champions League - and remains ambitious.

"We continue to dream of the knockout phase. That is a very clear goal for us," Kenesei stated. "You must have clear goals in a competition, and the goal must be achievable. We have set our sights on the knockout phase; it is achievable for us in our way of thinking. That's how we approach it. We want to get the necessary points in the last four games," the coach continued.

It is incredible to be able to articulate this goal. However, the performances show: it is possible. To reach at least the knockout phase playoffs, the Viennese would have to finish at least 12th.

On October 29, the Violets will meet Juventus Turin at home, where there will be another chance for three points.