Austrians have been on a roll in European football, with their clubs dominating the continental competitions in recent years. However, there was a time when the Austrian teams struggled to perform at home in European competitions. The last time an Austrian team lost at home by a margin of two goals or more in a European cup was in December last year. This is a testament to the growth and development of the Austrian football scene and the strength of their teams.
In the past, Austrian clubs were not considered among the top teams in Europe. They were often seen as underdogs and were not expected to make a big impact in continental competitions. However, in recent years, Austrian teams have made significant strides and have proven that they can compete with the best in Europe.
One of the major factors contributing to the success of Austrian clubs in European competitions is the improvement in the overall quality of their domestic league, the Austrian Football Bundesliga. In recent years, the league has seen a rise in the level of competition, with clubs investing in better players and coaches. This has resulted in a more competitive league, with teams constantly pushing each other to improve.
The improved quality of the league has also led to better performances from Austrian teams in European competitions. In the 2020/21 season, Red Bull Salzburg made it to the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, a feat that was last achieved by an Austrian club in the 1993/94 season. They also finished third in their group, ahead of teams like Lokomotiv Moscow and Atletico Madrid.
Another factor that has contributed to the success of Austrian teams in Europe is their ability to hold their own at home. In the past, Austrian clubs were known to struggle at home against tougher opposition. This was seen as a major weakness and it often resulted in them being knocked out of European competitions. However, in recent years, Austrian teams have shown great improvement in their home performances, making it difficult for visiting teams to get a result.
The last time an Austrian team lost at home by a margin of two goals or more in a European cup was in December last year when LASK Linz lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League. This was a disappointing result for the Austrian side, but it was also a testament to how far Austrian football has come. Just a few years ago, such a result would have been expected, but now it is seen as an anomaly.
The improvement in the performances of Austrian teams at home is not just limited to the Champions League and Europa League. In the UEFA Youth League, which is a competition for the youth teams of European clubs, Austrian teams have also shown great progress. In the 2020/21 season, the youth teams of both Red Bull Salzburg and Rapid Vienna made it to the quarter-finals of the competition, with Salzburg eventually losing to Barcelona on penalties.
The progress of Austrian teams in European competitions is also reflected in the national team’s performances. In the 2016 European Championship, Austria made it to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. They followed it up with a qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on advancing from the group stages.
All these achievements point to the fact that Austrian football is on the rise. The clubs and the national team have shown great improvement in recent years, and the last time an Austrian team lost at home by a margin of two goals or more in a European cup was in December last year. This is a remarkable feat and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in Austrian football.
In conclusion, the recent success of Austrian teams in European competitions is a result of their continuous growth and development. The improvement in the quality of their domestic league has led to better performances in Europe, and the ability to hold their own at home has been crucial in their success. The last time an Austrian team lost at home by a margin of two goals or more in a European cup was in December last year, which is a great achievement for a country that was once considered an underdog in European football. With the current trajectory, we can expect more great performances from Austrian teams in the future.
