Strong Vienna loses Cup semifinal
As in the previous year, Vienna must concede defeat to SKN St. Pölten in the Cup semifinal. Despite a better performance and a brief lead, the Blue-Yellows ultimately lose 4-2 due to a late comeback from St. Pölten.
Strong start from St. Pölten
In the 3rd minute, the home team had the first chance on goal. Mateja Zver was unmarked and got his head to the ball, but Schlimé was able to easily save it. A few minutes later, it was again St. Pölten with a big opportunity. Zver ran towards the goal and slotted the ball past Schlimé, but at the last second, Gutmann cleared the ball off the line. This was followed by a series of corner kicks, which led to another great chance for St. Pölten. A shot from Claudia Wenger from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target.
Vienna falls behind
Vienna managed to weather the early pressure from the hosts and slowed down the game. However, just as Vienna began to take control, SKN St. Pölten took the lead. After a quick counterattack, the ball reached Melanie Brunnthaler, who calmly played it over Schlimé and slotted it into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Eventful ending to the first half
Just before halftime, there was a shocking moment for Vienna. Jovana Cavic went down with severe pain, without any outside interference. After prolonged medical treatment, the game continued, and Schneiderbauer came on to replace her. In stoppage time, Vienna had their first big chance. Rukavina played the ball to Fankhauser, whose shot from close range was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. The follow-up shots were also unsuccessful, and so Vienna went into the break with a narrow deficit.
Vienna turns the game around
In the 53rd minute, Vienna equalized. Fankhauser delivered a great cross into the penalty area, and Rukavina was waiting at the far post to head the ball home for 1-1. In the 60th minute, a mistake by St. Pölten allowed Wucher to score a beautiful shot to make it 2-1. Coach Mark Dobrounig then made three fresh substitutions in the 70th minute. Linda Natter, Aldiana Amuchie, and Leonie Gebert came on for Seidl, Hahn, and Wucher. At this point, Vienna was clearly the stronger side.
St. Pölten turns up the pressure and wins
In the closing stages, the home team regained their momentum. In the 80th minute, Schneiderbauer failed to clear a cross effectively. The follow-up shot by Mattner was unstoppable and found the back of the net. Shortly afterward, Schlimé made a fantastic save to prevent a further deficit. However, it didn’t take long for St. Pölten to turn the game around again. After a free kick, Brunold scored in the 92nd minute to make it 3-2. Vienna threw everything forward, which opened up space in their defense. In the 95th minute, it was again Brunold, who finished off a counterattack with a well-placed shot to make it 4-2. Vienna loses an unfortunate game 4-2.
SKN St. Pölten Rush vs. First Vienna FC 1894 4-2 (1-0)
ÖFB Women’s Cup, Semifinal
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 14:00
NV Arena
Goals: 1-0 Brunnthaler (28'), 1-1 Rukavina (52'), 1-2 Wucher (60'), 2-2 Mattner (80'), 3-2 Brunold (90+2'), 4-2 Brunold (90+5')
Vienna: Schlimé, Cavic (41' Schneiderbauer), Kappenberger, Höcherl, Kovar, Seidl (75' Gebert), Fankhauser, Hahn (76' Amuchie), Rukavina, Gutmann, Wucher (75' Natter)
