Bundesliga players Marcel Sabitzer and Christoph Baumgartner guided Austria to a memorable triumph in a thrilling match that handed Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany their second straight setback after they lost 3-2 to Turkey the previous weekend.
The match in Vienna saw Germany initially on the defensive, as RB Leipzig’s Baumgartner unleashed a deflected shot wide, and Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp showcased his prowess by denying Freiburg striker Michael Gregoritsch in a promising one-on-one situation. The persistent pressure from Ralf Rangnick’s team was eventually rewarded just shy of the half-hour mark when Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sabitzer capitalized on a swift counter, delivering an impeccable finish past Trapp.
Despite a response from Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, who tested Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, the first half concluded with Austria in the ascendancy, with Baumgartner narrowly missing the target with a zipped effort.
Germany’s uphill battle became even steeper early in the second half when Sané received a straight red card following an altercation with ex-Mainz player Phillipp Mwene. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm, and Austria seized the opportunity to extend their lead. In a display of smart hold-up play from Gregoritsch, Baumgartner calmly slotted in Austria’s second goal.
Although Germany’s substitutes, Florian Wirtz and Marvin Ducksch, threatened a response, Austria’s defense remained resolute. Kevin Trapp, once again a standout performer for Germany, thwarted Gregoritsch’s attempts to reduce the deficit.
Austria, undeterred, nearly added to their lead, but for Trapp’s late save from substitute Matthias Seidl. The match underscored the resilience and clinical finishing of the Austrian side, while Germany faces the challenge of regrouping and addressing defensive vulnerabilities in the aftermath of their second consecutive defeat.
