Late Weissman Penalty Sinks Austria Vienna as BW Linz Pull Off Dramatic Away Win

By the time the final whistle blew at Generali Arena on Saturday, FC BW Linz had achieved arguably their most impressive result of the season—a gritty, backs-to-the-wall 1-0 upset over Austria Vienna, sealed by Shon Weissman’s nerveless penalty 11 minutes from time.

With both teams vying for points to spark their campaigns, the match unfolded as an intense midfield battle. Austria Vienna, deploying a 3-5-2 and buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, edged the first half. Johannes Eggestein and Noah Botic both came close, only for their efforts to be repelled by Linz’s disciplined back line and the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Viktor Baier, who would finish the afternoon with seven saves. Despite enjoying equal possession and a flurry of nine corners, Vienna’s finishing lacked conviction—a trend that would haunt them throughout.

On the opposite end, Linz were measured but dangerous on the counter. Ronivaldo and Dominik Reiter each threatened with speculative shots, though the Vienna defense, marshaled by Aleksandar Dragović, appeared largely in control for much of the contest.

The first half ended goalless, but tensions simmered—evidenced by Thomas Goiginger entering the referee’s book for a rash challenge at the 42nd minute. That edge spilled into the second half as both coaches turned to their benches: Linz’s Ronivaldo was replaced at the hour mark, with fresh legs sought for the final push.

The pivotal sequence arrived in the 79th minute. A surging Linz move forced Vienna into a desperate defensive action inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Weissman, cool as ever, converted emphatically to break the deadlock and stun the home crowd.

Vienna’s response was spirited—Marko Raguž and other substitutes pressed forward, but a resolute Baier and the Linz back three, repeatedly tested from set pieces and open play, stood firm. As frustration grew, Linz absorbed increasing pressure, collecting two more bookings (Manuel Maranda in the 71st, Fabio Strauss in the 86th). Yet their tactical discipline and game management in the dying moments saw them through.

The defeat leaves Austria Vienna rueing missed chances, as they failed to capitalize on territorial dominance and their 14 total shots, six of which found the target. For Linz, this is a statement result: three points earned in the capital and a showcase of their ability to withstand pressure and strike when the opportunity arises.

Key Performers:

• Shon Weissman (BW Linz): Coolly dispatched the game-winning penalty, his composure emblematic of Linz’s resolve.
• Viktor Baier (BW Linz): Seven crucial saves, several in the closing stages, preserved the clean sheet.
• Aleksandar Dragović (Austria Vienna): Marshaled the defense but could not prevent the late heartbreak.

A match decided by fine margins, but the points—and the headlines—belong to Linz.

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