Vienna Rewards Themselves with Home Victory
On Easter Monday, Vienna hosted SV Lafnitz in Round 25. The home team were in control from the start and dominated the first half. After the break, a quick double strike gave Vienna a deserved 2-0 lead. Although the guests pulled one back, Vienna managed to hold on to the victory and secured all three points.
After the game was postponed last Friday, Vienna used the extra time for an additional training session. The preparation was entirely focused on the upcoming opponent from Styria. For this home match against SV Lafnitz, head coach Sütcü had to make do without the yellow-card-suspended Bernhard Luxbacher.
Vienna with Strong Start and Early Chances
The home team made their mark early in the match. After a dangerously taken corner kick by Bumbic, the ball whipped into the six-yard box, but Lafnitz goalkeeper Lokkevik managed to clear it at the last moment. Vienna remained on the offensive – a brilliant combination between Steiner and Diomandé led the ball back into the penalty area, but the attack was stopped with another corner kick.
Schmidt's Best Chance
It wasn’t until the 10th minute that the guests made their first appearance in the opposing half – a harmless corner kick posed no threat. Shortly after, Schmidt had the best chance for Vienna up to that point: After a dynamic forward run from Ungar and a clever pass from Edelhofer into the box, the striker fired a shot, but it was too central and Lokkevik was able to make the save.
Vienna Dominates – Lafnitz Occasionally Dangerous
In the 17th minute, Lafnitz had their first real shot on goal: a long-range effort that posed no danger to Vienna's goalkeeper Unger. Soon after, Vienna were back on the attack: Diomandé took a powerful shot from outside the box, but it went narrowly over the bar.
However, Lafnitz remained dangerous on occasion. After a quick counterattack, a cross flew into the Vienna penalty area. Knollmüller got his head to the ball but directed it straight into Unger’s arms.
Vienna Misses the Lead
Vienna quickly responded with another strong passing move through midfield. Schmidt passed through to Dilek, who beat his defender and took a shot from a tight angle, but once again, Lokkevik was there to make the save. Vienna controlled the game, kept possession, and moved the ball well, but they couldn’t convert their dominance into a lead before halftime.
In the 34th minute, Ungar tried his luck with a long-range shot, but it flew just over the bar. Just before the halftime whistle, Lafnitz had one more dangerous moment in the penalty area, but again, Knollmüller failed to beat Unger.
Halftime Conclusion: Vienna had clear control of the match, with more possession and significantly better chances, but they couldn’t get the lead despite their pressing performance.
Strong Start to the Second Half Despite Substitutions
The home team came out for the second half unchanged, while Lafnitz made a double substitution to bring fresh energy into the game. However, the game didn’t change much. Vienna continued to play with speed and control, picking up right where they left off. In the 48th minute, Ungar fired the first warning shot of the second half, but it went over the target.
Dream Start to the Second Half – Vienna Reaps the Rewards
In the 51st minute, Vienna finally got the well-deserved lead: After a quick combination in midfield, the ball came to Bumbic. The advancing full-back didn’t hesitate, cut into the penalty area, and fired a clinical shot into the net – 1-0 to Vienna.
And the home team didn’t stop there: Just two minutes later, Edelhofer brought another threat from distance, but his shot went narrowly wide of the goal.
Dilek Scores His First Goal
In the 54th minute came the next highlight – and a personal milestone: A precise pass from Bauer split the Lafnitz defense and found Dilek. The striker stayed calm in a one-on-one with Lokkevik and slotted the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead, marking his first competitive goal for Vienna.
Shortly after, head coach Sütcü made his first substitution: Ochs replaced the tireless Edelhofer.
Lafnitz Pulls One Back, Bringing Tension
Despite their clear dominance, Vienna suddenly conceded a goal in the 60th minute – almost out of nowhere: A long ball sailed over the Vienna defense, and Knollmüller outpaced the defenders, staying cool in front of Unger and scoring – 2-1.
However, Vienna didn’t let that shake them and responded with another wave of pressure. A dangerous corner kick from Bumbic was cleared by Lokkevik at the last moment. Soon after, Lokkevik made another crucial save, stopping a precise shot from Schmidt after a pass from Dilek.
Changes on Both Sides
In the 73rd minute, Zimmermann came on as an attacking substitute for Schmidt. The game then slowed down a bit, with Vienna still controlling possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Lafnitz waited for counterattacks – in the 78th minute, Mahmic fired a shot just wide of the goal.
Triple Substitution Brings Fresh Energy
Ten minutes before the end, Vienna made a triple substitution: Peham, Nnamdi, and Titkov came on for Dilek, Steiner, and Diomandé. One of the substitutes almost made the game safe in the 85th minute: Zimmermann played a clever through ball to Peham, who managed to break free but once again was denied by the excellent Lokkevik.
Three Points Stay in Döbling
In the final minutes, Vienna continued to push forward into the final third, earning several corners and keeping Lafnitz away from their goal. Despite the late goal from Lafnitz, the home team held firm and saw the game out to secure a deserved home victory.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SV Lafnitz 2:1 (0:0)
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Round 25
Monday, April 21, 2025, 5:00 PM
Naturarena Hohe Warte, 1,548 spectators
Goals: 1-0 Bumbic (52'), 2-0 Dilek (55'), 2-1 Knollmüller (60')
Vienna: Unger, Steiner (80' Nnamdi), Bumbic, Omerovic, Schmidt (73' Zimmermann), Diomandé (80' Titkov), Bauer, Stratznig, Dilek (80' Dilek), Ungar, Edelhofer (57' Ochs)
