Austria XIII Makes Statement in Süssenbrunn, Routing FAC Wien 4-0 to Deepen Relegation Fears

The autumn sun cast long shadows across Sportplatz Süssenbrunn, but none longer than those trailing behind FAC Wien’s hopes for resurrection in the Landesliga - Wien. On Saturday afternoon, Austria XIII delivered a performance brimming with precision and intent, sweeping aside a beleaguered FAC Wien squad, 4-0, in a result that reverberates far beyond the final whistle.

The contest began under the weight of contrasting trajectories. FAC Wien, mired in the relegation zone with just one win from eight matches, faced a surging Austria XIII whose recent form belied their seventh-place standing. The visitors wasted no time in imposing their rhythm on the match, suffocating FAC’s midfield and exploiting defensive frailties that have become the hosts’ unwanted signature this campaign.

Early Dominance Sets Ruthless Tone

From the opening minutes, Austria XIII seized territorial advantage and forced FAC’s backline into hurried clearances. The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute—a sweeping move down the right led to a low cross, clinically dispatched at the near post by Austria XIII forward Thomas Grünwald, who notched his fifth goal of the season. The visitors’ celebration was muted; for them, this was business, not emotion.

FAC’s response was brittle. The hosts managed a fleeting spell of possession, but creative ideas evaporated against the organized press of Austria XIII, whose midfield trio routinely snuffed out danger before it could blossom. By the half-hour mark, the gulf in class grew wider. A misplaced pass from FAC’s captain in midfield led to a swift counter: Austria XIII’s winger Florian Becker danced past two defenders and squared the ball for midfielder Luka Petrovic, who doubled the advantage with an assured finish from 12 yards.

Turning Point: Red Card and Three-Goal Deficit

The match’s decisive turning point arrived ten minutes before halftime. Under pressure, FAC center-back Marco Haas lunged into an ill-advised tackle on Becker at the edge of the area. Referee Jonas Mühlhofer showed no hesitation—straight red for Haas. Down a man and already trailing, FAC Wien’s grand ambitions crumbled into damage limitation.

Austria XIII capitalized instantly. The subsequent free kick was curled deftly over the wall by Sebastian Maurer, nestling into the top corner for Austria XIII’s third. FAC supporters fell silent; what remained now was agony management.

Second Half: Ruthless Efficiency

The second stanza unfolded more as a formality, Austria XIII continuing to dictate pace and possession. The final blow came in the 67th minute: substitute Maximilian Dorn pounced on a rebound after a stinging shot from Petrovic, slotting home the fourth goal to round out a merciless afternoon.

The scoreline might suggest cruelty, but to the Austria XIII faithful who made the trip, it signaled progress—a fourth victory in eight matches, vaulting the club into contention for the upper reaches of the table. The visitors’ attacking quartet, led by Grünwald and Petrovic, embodied the team’s transformation from early season inconsistency to measured ambition.

Context: Form, Standings, and History

For FAC Wien, the defeat marks a worrying regression. Just two weeks removed from their only win—a 4-0 drubbing of Mauerwerk—the hosts have now suffered three losses in four outings, conceding eight goals in the process. At 16th in the standings, with only five points from eight matches (one win, two draws, five losses), the specter of relegation looms larger each week. Their defensive record—15 goals conceded in their last five matches—speaks to institutional vulnerability.

Austria XIII, meanwhile, have steadied after a rocky September, where consecutive defeats threatened to derail their campaign. Four wins, one draw, and three losses now give them 13 points and a foothold in the top third of the table. This result, coupled with strong attacking displays in recent fixtures, signals their intent as the league approaches its midpoint.

Historically, meetings between these two sides have seldom been kind to FAC Wien in recent years, but seldom has the chasm felt as insurmountable as it did on this crisp October day.

Key Statistics and Notable Performances

• Goal scorers: Thomas Grünwald (14’), Luka Petrovic (30’), Sebastian Maurer (36’, free kick), Maximilian Dorn (67’).
• Red card: Marco Haas (FAC Wien, 35’) for serious foul play.
• Man of the Match: Luka Petrovic (Austria XIII), dominating the midfield and contributing a crucial second goal.

What’s Next: Stakes Intensify

For FAC Wien, the path grows perilous. Rooted in 16th place, they face a must-win clash next week against fellow strugglers LAC-Inter. Manager Stefan Wolf will demand organization and discipline, yet the psychological damage of another heavy defeat—the second 0-4 loss in three weeks—may linger.

Austria XIII, emboldened by their latest performance, host Simmeringer SC, with a chance to further their ascent. Questions persist over defensive depth, but on current evidence, their attacking arsenal is sturdy enough to trouble any side in Landesliga - Wien.

In Süssenbrunn, as the supporters filtered out beneath falling leaves, one truth remained: Austria XIII are on the march, while FAC Wien search anxiously for a way home.