Austria Wien learn the hard way

FK Austria Wien's long wait for their first UEFA Champions League goal ended on Tuesday at FC Porto but although the 1-1 draw doubled their points' tally, their European ambitious were extinguished – after such a promising start.

Austria's group stage debut had begun with a home game against Porto in which Nenad Bjelica's side were defeated 1-0 despite having several chances in an impressive first 30 minutes. You could argue that they had to score during that spell. As they say, if you don't take your opportunities, you are bound to concede in the end. Which is precisely what happened ten minutes after the interval thanks to Lucho González.

Following that first match, winger Daniel Royer publicly stated that the team were ready for the UEFA Champions League. And while they subsequently failed to score at FC Zenit, so did their Russian hosts – meaning Austria had registered the first point won by any club from their country in this competition for 12 years.

Austria have scored once in five games©AFP

Next up was the double-header against Club Atlético de Madrid, for which Austria had high hopes and expectations. Even if a victory or a draw was not possible, at least a goal was, surely. Just one goal. But after matchdays three and four in Group G, the Austrian title holders had to admit that even a goal does not come easy at this level. Philipp Hosiner came closest in Vienna when he hit the woodwork, though in the end they lost 3-0 at home and 4-0 in Madrid.

While they had already secured a point before this week's penultimate game against Porto, they had scored none while conceding eight. But inside 11 minutes in northern Portugal, that duck was broken by Roman Kienast. Bjelica's men were efficient too on Tuesday, as from a total of three shots at the Estádio do Dragão, one landed in the net. Porto notched one goal as well – Jackson Martínez's second-half equaliser – yet required 23 shots for that.

A single goal, no win, only two points – that could be the short summary of Austria Wien's UEFA Champions League campaign. Were the opposition simply too strong for captain Manuel Ortlechner and company? Or did this competition come a year or two too soon? Maybe. However, seeing what the Young Violets are doing in the UEFA Youth League, there is hope for the future – unlike their senior counterparts, they are already in double digits for goals scored.

The opinions expressed here are the writer's own and not those of UEFA.