Last-minute strike: Austria Vienna advances to the final against Hartberg

With a narrow 2-1 win, Vienna Austria defeated Wydad Casablanca.
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Vienna Austria kept their chance of a place in the European Cup alive. On Tuesday, the favorites beat Wydad 2-1 (1-0) and will play in the Bundesliga play-off final on Friday at home (7:30 p.m., Live! on Kicker) and next Tuesday away (7:30 p.m., Live!) on kicker) to do with TSV Hartberg. A bizarre last-minute goal scored by Witz (94) deservedly decided the match for the visitors, who had already led 1-0 at the end of the first half thanks to Misl (8).

The season ended for Wydad, which tied with Bouake (64). Coach Schmid has been on the sidelines for the last time, recently agreeing to terminate his contract and Kobauer will replace him in the summer.

But Austria's interim coach, Figleitner, will get two more matches. He made just one change from the recent 2-1 win at BW Linz. Pazorek replaced Ranftel, who fell ill shortly after, on the right flank in midfield. In the WAC, Ibertsberger and Veratschnig moved into the starting lineup.

Austria Vienna with an early lead

Austria, who were extremely hungry for the European Cup, came into the game the better and capped off their start with an early 1-0 lead. After a sensitive corner kick from Witz, Maisel won an aerial duel with Umic in the fifth minute and scored with a header. Violet continued to try hard, but additional opportunities remained rare despite her possession of the ball.

WAC also couldn't get past a few near-dangerous attacks before half-time – particularly against Palo, who were in the ÖFB European Championship squad. The best opportunity came as a result of a purple defensive error that Scharviter was unable to capitalize on. The 21-year-old's shot was saved by Austria goalkeeper Fröstel (31'), who was almost embarrassed moments later when Jasic fired in a shot from more than 30 meters (32').

The first half ended with a double chance from Austrian striker Aslani, which was saved first by goalkeeper Gottlbauer and then into the side netting to make the score 2-0 (42). The visitors continued to dominate after the start of the second half, as Schmidt tested Gottlbauer from 17 meters (53 minutes) and a shot from substitute Gruber went just wide of the far corner (61 minutes).

Gottlbauer's slip brings the decision

The equalizer came almost out of nowhere; “The Joker” Boakye’s solo attempt after receiving a short ball from a distance of 17 meters was very accurate for Früstel. Shortly afterwards, Balou missed the target with a header and scored two goals (67).

Naturally, Austria remained on the trigger and were already celebrating the 2-1 scoreline. Aslani's goal after a Diabate error was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for offside (74). But the people of Vienna were rewarded in the end. Witz, running on the counter-attack, saw Gottlbauer sliding on the rain-soaked surface and took precise measurements from his own half. The goalkeeper, who was rushing back, threw himself after the ball to no avail.