Vienna Narrowly Defeated by Rapid II
In the 22nd round, Vienna traveled to Vienna-Hütteldorf. They went behind early, with a 0:1 deficit. Despite a strong push in the final minutes, they couldn’t find the equalizer – the points stayed in Hütteldorf.
Vienna lined up with the same starting XI that had recently secured a 1:0 home win against SV Horn. Alozie started again in defense, replacing Bumbic. Peham was called up to the squad due to Boateng’s injury, and he took a spot on the bench.
Early Setback in Hütteldorf
The Döblingers started with energy and showed a brave approach in the opening minutes. However, Rapid II gradually took control of the game. The first clear chance came for the hosts in the 9th minute: Seydi broke through on the right side against Nnamdi but was denied by Vienna goalkeeper Unger, who made a strong save from a tight angle.
Three minutes later, danger struck again. After an attack from the hosts, the ball struck Bauer’s hand in the penalty area – referee Schnur pointed to the spot. Bajlicz took responsibility and converted the penalty with confidence – Unger had no chance to save. With that, Vienna found themselves trailing 0:1 early on.
Vienna Fights Back
The visitors needed a few minutes to recover from the goal. In the 20th minute, Vienna's attack threatened for the first time: A long ball from Nnamdi reached Omerovic, who took a shot – but it narrowly missed the target. Vienna was now getting better into the game.
Just minutes later, Edelhofer tried a shot from the edge of the box, but a Rapid defender blocked it in time.
Just before halftime, Vienna had another good chance: Ungar rose highest after a cross, but his header narrowly missed the goal.
Vienna went into the break with a tight 0:1 deficit – a first half in which Rapid II had been superior, but Vienna was becoming increasingly dangerous.
No Changes at Half-Time
Vienna returned to the field without any substitutions, while Rapid II made their first change: Brunnhofer replaced Roka. The visitors from Döbling were determined but struggled to create clear-cut chances. The first notable action of the second half belonged to the hosts: In the 51st minute, substitute Brunnhofer got past his marker on the right and delivered a sharp cross into the middle – but the Vienna defense was alert and cleared the danger.
First Substitution for Vienna
Soon after, Vienna coach Sütcü made his move and brought on Dilek for Zimmermann. The substitute quickly contributed to one of the most notable actions of the second half: After a high ball to Ungar, he headed it on for Dilek, who attempted an acrobatic backheel – but the ball sailed over the goal.
The next opportunity came from Edelhofer: A goal kick landed at the feet of Vienna’s striker, who passed it to Dilek – but a Rapid defender was on hand at the last moment to prevent the shot.
In the 61st minute, Nnamdi made a strong statement with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the right post – unfortunate for the Blue-Yellows. Six minutes later, Dilek was in the spotlight again, this time with a shot from a tight angle – it didn’t pose much of a challenge for Rapid keeper Göschl.
No Points Despite Effort
Sütcü made a double substitution: Bumbic and Schmidt replaced Ochs and Edelhofer. The fresh legs brought some extra energy. In the 74th minute, it was the substitute Schmidt who set up Dilek with a beautiful pass, creating another great chance. However, the attacker was off target and missed the goal.
In the 84th minute, Vienna made their final substitution: Steiner and Titkov replaced Nnamdi and Ungar. Two minutes later, there was another promising attack in the opponent’s penalty area – but Göschl saved a shot to the middle, and Rapid II cleared the follow-up situation. In stoppage time, there was another chance from Stratznig, followed by a shot that hit the post.
Despite their efforts and several promising opportunities, Vienna couldn’t find the equalizer and ultimately lost 0:1. The second half saw more initiative from Vienna, but the chances remained unconverted.
SK Rapid II vs. First Vienna FC 1894 1:0 (1:0)
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Round 22
Friday, April 4, 2025, 18:00
Weststadion, 550 spectators
Goals: 1:0 Bajlicz (15')
Vienna Line-Up: Unger, Luxbacher B., Ochs (70' Bumbic), Omerovic, Zimmermann (54' Dilek), Alozie, Bauer, Stratznig, Nnamdi (85' Steiner), Ungar (85' Titkov), Edelhofer (70' Schmidt)
