Vienna Women impress with 5–1 victory
Preparations for the spring season are well underway, and in the first friendly match of the year our women’s team faced Slovan Bratislava. Despite icy temperatures, the team delivered a strong performance and deservedly claimed a 5–1 win.
Vienna start strongly
Vienna got off to a good start and put the visitors under pressure right from the opening minutes. In the 13th minute, Höcherl had the first good chance of the match, but her close-range effort was cleared off the line at the last moment. It did not take long, however, for Vienna to take the lead. After winning possession, Pfanner unleashed a shot from the edge of the penalty area that found the far corner perfectly.
Equaliser before the break
After Vienna’s opener, the visitors grew stronger and created more opportunities in front of Lichtenberger’s goal. In the 35th minute, Slovan Bratislava equalised—Lichtenberger initially made a fine save, but the rebound was converted. No further goals were scored before halftime, and the teams went into the break level at 1–1.
Höcherl restores Vienna’s lead
Head coach Mark Dobrounig made several changes at the break, with Sarac, Havel and Laaksonen entering the match. Vienna came out stronger in the second half, and in the 54th minute Höcherl capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2–1.
As the second half progressed, two more players were introduced: Nadine Seidl made her comeback after a long injury layoff, while Vivien Grabenhofer made her debut for Vienna.
Vienna extend their lead
In the closing stages, Vienna turned up the intensity once more. Kerschbaumer made it 3–1 following a short corner, and just minutes later Havel increased the lead to 4–1 after rounding the opposing goalkeeper.
Havel at the double
The final goal of the match was also scored by Lilah Havel. After a counterattack in the 82nd minute, the striker finished with a stunning volley into the top corner, putting the perfect finishing touch on a high-scoring opening friendly.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. Slovan Bratislava 5–1 (1–1)
Friendly match
Saturday, 17 January 2026, 1:30 p.m.
Vienna Campus, 50 spectators
Line-up: Lichtenberger (60’ Grabenhofer), Osl, Gebert, van der Reijden, Kerschbaumer, Hahn (45’ Laaksonen), Tomczak (45’ Sarac), Breinl (45’ Havel), Höcherl (70’ Seidl), Fankhauser, Pfanner
Goals: 1–0 Pfanner (15’), 2–1 Höcherl (54’), 3–1 Kerschbaumer (75’), 4–1 Havel (77’), 5–1 Havel (82’)
