Vienna Falls Short Despite Chances Against Clinical Sturm Graz
In the historic opening round of the ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga Championship Playoff, First Vienna FC 1894 Women suffered a narrow 0–1 defeat away to SK Sturm Graz. Despite a strong performance and dominance in possession, the Blau-Gelben were undone by a second-half counterattack and left Messendorf empty-handed.
Championship Playoff Kicks Off
In their debut match of the newly introduced Championship Playoff, Vienna traveled to face SK Sturm Graz. Head coach Mark Dobrounig made several changes to the starting lineup compared to the cup semifinal against St. Pölten: Natter returned, with Kappenberger moving to the bench; the injured Cavic was replaced by Schneiderbauer, and Gebert slotted in for Fankhauser.
High Intensity from the Start
Both sides came out with energy and pace, eager to make an early statement in the battle for third place. The opening minutes were lively, with action at both ends. The first real threat came in the 5th minute when a Graz corner was flicked on at the far post but drifted wide.
Vienna Controls the Game but Lacks the Final Touch
Vienna quickly grew into the game, building up play with composed combinations and smart transitions. In the 13th minute, Gebert won the ball in midfield, found Höcherl, who returned a beautiful backheel for Gebert to break through on goal. Instead of taking the shot herself, she opted to square it for Wucher—only for a Graz defender to intercept at the last moment.
Penalty Shout Waved Off
Soon after, a clever pass from Natter found Hahn in the Graz box, who appeared to be fouled. She managed to release the ball to Seidl, whose shot hit the side netting. While the appeals were mild, the incident had clear penalty potential.
Dominant Vienna – Graz Waits for the Break
Throughout the first 20 minutes, Vienna dictated the tempo, pressing forward with more intensity and creativity. Graz focused primarily on counterattacks, rarely venturing far into Vienna’s half.
Late First-Half Chances for Both Sides
Graz’s first real attempt came just before the break following a misplaced Vienna pass, but the long-range shot was no trouble for Schlime in goal. At the other end, Höcherl had a promising chance after a throw-in, but her shot was blocked and cleared.
Second Half – Vienna Remains on the Front Foot
Vienna resumed after halftime with the same attacking mindset. Rukavina and Natter led several promising moves down the flanks, but the final pass or shot continued to elude them.
In the 51st minute, Gutmann picked out Wucher with a clever through ball, but the striker’s shot under pressure flew over the bar. Moments later, a Vienna corner caused chaos in the Graz box, but the hosts somehow scrambled the ball away.
Graz Scores Against the Run of Play
In the 63rd minute, Dobrounig brought on Kappenberger for Schneiderbauer to increase attacking options. Yet it was Graz who struck first. In the 71st minute, substitute Uka broke down the wing and found Breznik in the box. Schlime made a great save on her first attempt, but just minutes later Breznik got another chance—and this time made no mistake, coolly finishing to make it 1–0.
Final Push Comes Up Short
Vienna responded by bringing on Fankhauser for Höcherl (72’) and went all-in offensively. The best chance came in the 84th minute when Rukavina let fly from distance, narrowly missing the target.
Despite throwing everything forward in the closing minutes, Vienna couldn’t break down Sturm’s deep defensive block. The final whistle confirmed a frustrating but hard-fought 0–1 defeat.
SK Sturm Graz vs. First Vienna FC 1894 1:0 (0:0)
ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga – Round 19
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 12:45 PM
Messendorf Training Centre
Goals: 1:0 Breznik (73')
Vienna Line-up: Schlime, Schneiderbauer (63' Kappenberger), Natter, Höcherl (72' Fankhauser), Kovar, Seidl, Hahn, Rukavina, Gebert, Gutmann, Wucher
