In a closely contested match in Vienna, SPG Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg and FAC-Landhaus ended in a 1:1 draw, preventing Südburgenland from achieving their ninth win. Despite taking an early lead through a fortunate goal, the team struggled due to contentious officiating and a strong performance from the home side, who managed to equalize late in the game. The result keeps Südburgenland at the top of the 2nd Women’s Bundesliga, tied on points with FAC-Landhaus, with the title race remaining tight as the season progresses.
In a top match against the equally matched FAC-Landhaus, SPG Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg was just minutes away from securing their ninth victory. The 1:1 draw in Vienna keeps Harald Bacher’s team at the top of the table in the 2nd Women’s Bundesliga.
SÜDBURGENLAND/WIEN. Saturday night in Vienna featured a major showdown in the 2nd Women’s Bundesliga. The undefeated and points-tied FAC-USC Landhaus faced off against leaders SPG Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg. Earlier in the day, the Wildcats Krottendorf drew level with both teams after a fortunate 4:3 win over GAK.
From the outset, it was clear this match would be intense, as evident on the field. The first warning shot from the Vienna team came from their captain, Romina Bell, whose free kick just missed the goal of Fiona Fazekas (8th minute). Initially, the Südburgenland team struggled, largely due to some questionable referee decisions that restricted their play. Minor physical contact was penalized, while similar actions by the Vienna players went unpunished.
Lucky Lead
Thanks to a precise cross from Anja Bacher to Lilla Sipos, who set up Linda Popofsits, the FAC-Landhaus goalkeeper Sabine Baumann mishandled the shot, resulting in a somewhat fortunate 0:1 lead for the Südburgenland team (14th minute). However, this opening goal did not bring control to the game for the guests, as the Vienna team remained the more dangerous side.
A shot from Carina Melchior went over the bar (20th minute), and Marcella Dworak fired a second attempt from about 20 meters wide of the goal (24th minute). A mis-hit ball by Gina Babicky from her own half nearly caught Fazekas off guard, but the visiting goalkeeper managed to catch the high ball just before it crossed the line (30th minute).
Clear Penalty Ignored
While many minor fouls were called, a clear penalty foul was overlooked. A long ball aimed at Linda Popofsits saw her knocked down by FAC captain Romina Bell with a body check as she entered the penalty area, with no chance of getting the ball. This was a straightforward decision, especially since assistant referee Claudia Obermüller and referee Admir Hasanovic had clear sight of the incident, but neither whistle blew. Without a Video Assistant Referee, this remains a matter of on-field judgment.
Punishments were handed out liberally, as the Südburgenland team and their coach accumulated four yellow cards before halftime. In contrast, despite several potentially yellow-card-worthy tackles from the Vienna players, they escaped without any cautions.
Slim Lead at Halftime
The best opportunity for Südburgenland in open play came from a lovely pass by Vanessa Beiglböck to Bianca Gröller, whose attempt was narrowly missed by Popofsits with a header at the far post (33rd minute). Conversely, Fazekas was alert, responding well to a well-placed header from the home team.
As time dwindled, Vienna had more chances to equalize. Johanna Schneider narrowly missed a perfect set-up in front of Fazekas (38th minute). In stoppage time, a deflected free kick from Romina Bell, which should not have been awarded, sailed just over the crossbar (45+1 minute). Thus, Südburgenland held a narrow lead at halftime.
Defensive Struggle for Südburgenland
In the second half, Südburgenland struggled to find their rhythm. The buildup was frequently interrupted by whistles. Popofsits again came close early in the half but narrowly missed the long corner (50th minute). Subsequently, the visitors gradually retreated, leaving the Vienna team with more room to press the Bacher squad back into their half. The match transformed into a defensive effort for the guests, as their attempts to create offensive plays fell short.
While the home team was not prolific in creating chances, the clock seemed to be running out on Südburgenland’s advantage.
Equalizer from Mistake
In the final moments, the home team managed to find a deserved equalizer. Following a corner, the ball found the unmarked Romina Bell, who headed it into the net. A noticeable positional mistake, as the planned marking was not adhered to, facilitated the goal to make it 1