Austria Wien Women opened their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign in spectacular fashion, edging out ZNK Hajduk Split Women 3-2 in a pulsating five-goal contest at the Generali Arena on a warm August evening. The result, secured on 5 August 2026, sends the Austrian side into the next round of qualifying and leaves the Croatian champions to rue missed chances in a match that swung back and forth from start to finish.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, it was clear this would be no cagey European tie. Both sides pressed high and looked to attack with pace, producing an open, entertaining encounter that delighted the home crowd. Austria Wien struck first, only for Hajduk Split to reply through a brilliant individual effort. The hosts then regained control with two quick goals before the break, but a gritty Hajduk response after half-time ensured a tense finale as the visitors pushed for an equaliser that never came.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Austria Wien take the lead: Winger Laura Steiner cut inside from the right and curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the far corner after a swift counter-attack.
• 28th minute – Hajduk Split equalise: Striker Jelena Šimić collected a long ball over the top, held off two defenders, and slotted coolly past goalkeeper Carina Meyer.
• 37th minute – Austria Wien strike again: A well-worked corner routine was converted at the back post by midfielder Sarah Pöltl to restore the advantage.
• 44th minute – Third goal of the half: Nina Baur capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the Hajduk box, tapping into an empty net for what proved to be the winning goal.
• 71st minute – Hajduk Split pull one back: Substitute Lucija Lozina fired a low drive from 18 yards to set up a frantic final period.

Tactical Story

Austria Wien’s success was built on quick vertical passes and the width provided by their full-backs. They repeatedly targeted the space behind Hajduk’s advanced wing-backs, especially down the left channel where Steiner thrived. Hajduk Split, by contrast, preferred a direct approach, launching accurate diagonals toward Šimić and relying on her hold-up play to bring teammates into the attack. That tactic worked sporadically, but Austria’s back line remained resolute under pressure, particularly in the closing 20 minutes when the visitors piled men forward.

The home side’s decision to press Hajduk’s central defenders in the first half paid off handsomely, forcing the errors that led to the second and third goals. After the break, Austria Wien dropped deeper and looked to counter, but a lack of composure in the final third meant they never put the tie completely to bed. That allowed Hajduk to stay alive until the end, leaving the hosts needing goalkeeper Meyer to make two sharp saves in stoppage time to secure the win.

Standout Players

Laura Steiner was the match-winner in more ways than one. Aside from her stunning opening goal, her direct running and intelligent positioning caused problems all evening. For Hajduk Split, Jelena Šimić was outstanding in a losing cause, scoring once and leading the line with relentless energy. Her ability to bring midfield runners into play made her the focal point of nearly everything good for the Croatian side.

Season Impact

Victory gives Austria Wien Women a crucial early boost in their Women's Champions League qualifying campaign, putting them one step closer to the group stage draw. For Hajduk Split, the defeat means they must now rely on results elsewhere or a potential second-chance route through the qualifying mini-tournament. Despite the loss, their spirited performance in Vienna suggested they have the quality to cause problems in future rounds.