Football: Austria Wien Takes the Lead Against Spaeri FC

Austria has set the course for advancement in the second round of the Conference League qualification. The Viennese team deservedly won their home game against Georgia's cup winner Spaeri FC 2-0 (1-0). After the early goal by Manfred Fischer (8th minute), Austria missed chance after chance until Dominik Fitz (91st minute) scored from a penalty. The return match will take place next Thursday in Tbilisi. The winner will face the loser of the Europa League duel between Banik Ostrava and Legia Warsaw.

Austria Started Against Spaeri with Two New Players

In pouring rain in Vienna-Favoriten, coach Stephan Helm started the first competitive match of the new season with two new players. Manprit Sarkaria was part of the attacking trio, and South Korean Lee Kang-hee was in the three-man defense. Spaeri came to Vienna as cup winners and leaders of the second Georgian league and recorded the first dangerous goal approach after just under five minutes. However, Austria managed the quick lead.

After a corner kick, the Violets remained on the offensive in front of 8,951 spectators, and after Hakim Guenouche's cross, Fischer was in the right place. The first impactful goal was set. The Viennese pressed on and were very close to the second goal after a quarter of an hour. Guenouche nudged the ball with his thigh onto the crossbar, and after the following corner, Lee also headed against the crossbar (both 16th minute).

Spaeri's defense was significantly shaken, and Austria could only be criticized for not extending their lead during their pressure phase. The Helm team controlled the match against a limited opponent, but great chances were lacking. Spaeri only aimed to tighten their ranks in front of their own penalty area.

Fitz Extended the Lead with a Penalty Goal

The violet efficiency left much to be desired even after the break. Sarkaria, ideally set up by Fitz, shot too centrally at Spaeri keeper Bukhut Putkaradze (49th minute), and Maurice Malone shot past the far post (57th minute). Austria had to substitute Guenouche due to injury after he strained his back without any external influence. Matteo Schablas and newcomer Noah Botic (for Malone) entered the match.

The possibility of an equalizer remained alive for Spaeri, partly because Sarkaria was unlucky with his finishes. The guests seemed satisfied with the narrow deficit, as they were plagued by cramps. However, Austria eventually rewarded themselves. The occasionally uncertain Slovak referee Martin Dohal awarded a penalty after a Georgian handball, and Fitz confidently converted from the spot.

(APA/Red)

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