Analysis The numbers behind the result
Austria Vienna capitalize on Liepaja's early red card
Austria Vienna's 3-1 win was deserved, as they exploited FK Liepaja's early red card to dominate proceedings. Despite Liepaja taking a shock lead through Amar Haidara's 4th-minute strike, Marvin Martins' red card in the 8th minute left the visitors with a mountain to climb. Vienna capitalized swiftly, with Jonas Feddersen (19') and Kelvin Boateng (29') turning the game around before Reinhold Ranftl sealed it in the 66th minute.
Statistically, Vienna's dominance was clear. They held 66% possession, outshot Liepaja 17-10, and landed 10 shots on target to Liepaja's 4. Their control was further reflected in an 88% pass accuracy and 8 corners compared to Liepaja's 3. Liepaja's goalkeeper Danijel Petkovic made 7 saves, but Vienna's consistent pressure proved too much.
The decisive factor was undoubtedly Liepaja's early red card, which allowed Vienna to dominate possession and create sustained attacking pressure. Despite Haidara's early goal, Liepaja's inability to cope with being a man down ultimately cost them.