In a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League playoff match, Austria's national football team faced off against Serbia at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna on March 20, 2025. The game, played before a sold-out crowd of 46,400—amidst a notable Serbian presence—ended in a 1-1 draw, placing both teams in a challenging position as they vie for promotion to League A.
Austria opened the scoring at the 37th minute, thanks to a goal from forward Michael Gregoritsch. After receiving a clever pass from Marko Arnautovic, Gregoritsch, in spectacular fashion, curled the ball into the net from 20 meters out. This was a significant moment for the Freiburg striker, marking his 19th goal in 63 appearances internationally.
Serbia, however, did not back down. Lazar Samardzic equalized in the 61st minute, showcasing Serbia’s impressive attacking capabilities. With the match crucial for both sides, Samardzic’s finish came from a deft run that evaded Austria’s defense, leveling the game and sending Serbian fans into euphoria.
Both teams entered the match with notable absences. Austria's coach, Ralf Rangnick, faced a challenging lineup as key players like Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, Marcel Sabitzer, and Alexander Prass were out due to injuries, and Konrad Laimer sat out due to a yellow card suspension. On the other side, Serbia's coach, Dragan Stojkovic, also contended with significant setbacks, missing pivotal defenders due to suspensions, including Nikola Milenkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Aleksa Terzic. Furthermore, star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was sidelined for health reasons, adding pressure on the Serbian side to perform under less than ideal circumstances.
The match not only showcased the strategic formations of both teams but illustrated the sheer determination present, especially from Austria, which appeared to dominate much of the game. Despite multiple opportunities, including missed chances from Arnautovic and Christoph Baumgartner, Austria struggled to regain the lead after Samardzic's equalizer.
The match, described by many as a “bitter draw,” sees Austria needing to rethink strategy as they prepare for the return leg in Belgrade on March 23, 2025. The stakes are incredibly high; the winner of the playoff gains a spot in League A, while the defeated face relegation to League B.
Post-match, sentiments reflected mixed feelings in the Austrian camp. Coach Rangnick was left contemplating how the absence of key players affected the game flow while expressing hope that his squad could leverage the strengths they had showcased. "Our team's fight and persistence were commendable, yet we need to be sharper up front," Rangnick noted.
Similarly, Stojkovic remarked on the resilience displayed by his players, emphasizing that the equalizing goal could serve as a springboard for the next encounter. "Despite the challenges we faced with injuries, our players stepped up to deliver a robust performance," commented Stojkovic, indicating that he remains optimistic about his team's chances.
As both teams set their sights on the return leg, the atmosphere among supporters remains tense, filled with equal measures of hope and anxiety. Austria's historical performance in the Nations League has seen them undefeated in five games, adding a layer of pressure to maintain that streak.
In their last five confrontations, Serbia holds a slight edge over Austria, having secured three wins, while Austria's last two meetings have both ended in their favor, including a 2-1 victory in a recent test match before Euro 2024.
The playoff format requires both teams to adapt their strategies effectively, especially with the backdrop of their previous encounters influencing how they prepare mentally and tactically. Fans from both nations will undoubtedly expect an electrifying rematch in Belgrade, one that may very well dictate their future in the UEFA Nations League.
Distribution of support is another compelling narrative as fans anticipate how the sizable Serbian community in Vienna will impact the match dynamics. Traditionally, these matches have sparked fervent support, giving Serbia a platform to play not merely as visitors, but as familiar competitors sharing a historical rivalry.
Moving forward, with the pressures mounting and stakes high, the drama of the UEFA Nations League playoffs promises excitement as Austria hosts Serbia again, both sides eager to stake their claim in the league's hierarchy.
