Austria defeats Croatian champions in Champions League qualifiers
The Austrians almost gave away a three-goal lead. In the end, however, they held on to the lead.
Austria Wien secured a 3-2 victory against Croatian champions Hajduk Split in the opening match of the UEFA Women's Champions League qualification.
The Violets have thus reached the final of the mini-tournament and can continue to hope for a spot in the third and final qualification round.
Dream Start for Austria
The Viennese had a dream start: Patricia Pfanner put Austria in the lead after just twelve seconds. The striker skillfully controlled a long ball, bypassed an opponent, and slotted it in for 1-0.
Just four minutes later, Modesta Uka extended the lead to 2-0 after a superb solo effort.
In the 18th minute, Pfanner completed her brace, chipping the ball over the opposing goalkeeper to make it 3-0. At this point, the match seemed already decided.
Split Fights Back
But Hajduk Split did not give up. Shortly before halftime, Janja Canjevac pulled one back, making it 1-3.
After the break, the Croatians had a better start and scored their second goal from their first attacking move, making it 2-3. After a cross, Gia Kalas only had to tap the ball over the line (47').
In the closing stages, however, Austria Wien held on to their narrow lead and advanced to the final of the mini-tournament. There, the Violets will face the winner of the clash between ZNK Mura and Romanian champions Farul Constanta on Saturday.
