For Wiener Austria, the European Cup season ended early on Thursday evening. What those involved say about the painful end.
Coach Christian Ilzer’s team lost the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round for the Europa League in Nicosia 1:3 with Apollon Limassol and lost after the 1:2 in Vienna 2:5 overall. For Apollon, the play-off against either PSV Eindhoven or Sturm-Bezwinger Haugensund continues.
“We’ve had enough opportunities in the first half to score 2-0. Right at the beginning the chance of the Grüni (note: Grünwald), then many counter-situations, which we simply have to finish much more consistently”, Austria coach Christian Ilzer wrangled after the final whistle in the ORF.
Maudo Jarjue brought the violets into the lead after 18 minutes, but a very controversial penalty kick (45.+2), converted by Gakpe, was the beginning of the end of the Viennese.
This was followed by an own goal from European Cup debutant Johannes Handl (55th) and a goal from Gianniotas (67th). After winning ten knockout duels in qualifying for the Champions League and Europa League in a row, Wiener Austria lost out again for the first time.
“We didn’t use very good opportunities, then we got this penalty kick. After the break we immediately got the unlucky 1:2, then once again we couldn’t get into any more trouble”, says Ilzer.
For defender Florian Klein the mistake was in the offensive game. We could have used too few counter possibilities, says Klein: “We played out the actions too badly or the last pass was too inaccurate.
In addition, the controversial penalty kick scene was particularly painful. “I haven’t seen the penalty situation yet, but during the game I’d say no. It’s no use anyway. Considering we didn’t get a penalty or two in the first leg, it’s very bitter. I’m sure there would have been more inside. After the 1:2, it was almost over.”
