Austria Vienna has had a dramatic final matchday. © APA / MAX SLOVENCIK

“Incredible”: Pfattner and Austria in seventh heaven

The changing of the guard in Austrian women's football has been complete since Saturday. After winning the cup, Austria Vienna secured their first league title in club history thanks to a goal deep into stoppage time. The team, led by South Tyrolean Elisa Pfattner, also celebrated a special milestone.

31 May 2026

From: apa/nie

How do you describe such a success in just one word? "Incredible," said Elisa Pfattner in a video on the social media channels of Austria Vienna. That perfectly captured the madness in the Austrian capital, where the midfielder from Latzfons was in the starting eleven – especially since many observers were initially speechless after the scenes that had unfolded in the Generali Arena.

In the second direct encounter of the championship round, everything pointed to another 0-0 draw between Austria Vienna and St. Pölten. However, in what appeared to be the last action of the game, Austria's Katharina Schiechtl caught Fanni Nagy in the face with a high foot in the penalty area. Referee Tobias Wimhofer issued a red card to the Austrian national team player and awarded a penalty, which Leila Peneau confidently converted in the 98th minute.

Somewhat surprisingly, the referee blew his whistle again, and the Viennese team won a free kick. Afterward, the ball eventually found its way to Carina Wenninger, who poked it over the line from close range (101').

Wenninger said the last few minutes were "unbelievable".

Then, in front of 2.346 spectators at the Generali Arena, it was truly all over. After the Lower Austrian players had already been celebrating in a huddle on the pitch, the same was now happening on the other side. "I've never experienced anything like today. Everything that football can do happened; the last three minutes were unbelievable," said the match-winner. Lena Triendl agreed, saying, "Nobody would believe you if you told anyone. For us, it's absolutely fantastic." Kenesei even suggested a film adaptation. "Someone should consider making a film of this furious final; it was a highlight, incredible, pure drama."

The happy ending for FAK was well-deserved; they remained undefeated in their 29th domestic match of the season – an unprecedented milestone. The season will also be remembered for reaching the quarterfinals of the Women's Europa Cup. "It was an outstanding season with the Europa Cup trips, the cup match, and now the dramatic final. It couldn't be much better. It was the reward for all the hard work," said Kenesei. And Wenninger added: "We worked consistently all year, and this double means a great deal to me."

Jasmin Pal not only got to lift the championship trophy, but was also named the season's best goalkeeper. "I'm incredibly grateful; this shows that I'm back," the 29-year-old emphasized. The celebrations on the pitch didn't end on Saturday. "We'll definitely have a drink or two. We won't be getting much sleep," Kenesei announced.

SKN coach was annoyed with referee

The Lower Austrian women's team missed out on ten consecutive league titles. The coaching change in October, from Lisa Alzner to Laurent Fassotte, couldn't prevent a titleless season. The 48-year-old was not happy with the referee. "I don't understand why the game was restarted after our goal; it was already the last action of the match. Some of the referee's decisions weren't good," the Belgian stated. The course of the game was frustrating. "You're on top of the world, and then suddenly everything falls apart. But that's football," Fassotte said.

St. Pölten briefly felt like champions. © APA / MAX SLOVENCIK

Self-criticism was essential in the season review. "We also have to mention that we made some mistakes throughout the season." Captain Jennifer Klein was well aware of this. "It was a very, very tough season for us. Many new players, many injuries, illnesses. Nevertheless, we fought our way back. To then get a draw like that in the last game is unbelievable. It will take a few weeks to process." This also pushed another Champions League appearance into the distant future, as the second-placed team will have to try their luck via the difficult league route from the second qualifying round onwards, while Austria has a better chance in the Champions Path.