Vienna fall to dominant champions
On Matchday 21 of the ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Vienna faced off against serial champions SKN St. Pölten Rush. Despite a spirited performance, the Vienna women suffered a clear 0–4 defeat. In front of their home crowd, the Blue and Yellows showed great effort but were punished without mercy by the clinical Lower Austrians.
In the final match of the first half of the newly formed championship round, Vienna were eager to show a response after their bitter derby defeat – and looked to challenge the powerhouse from St. Pölten.
High-tempo opening phase
Right from the start, it was an intense game with high pace and hard but fair challenges. Both sides looked to attack and engaged in an open and fast-paced exchange.
Early chances and bad luck with the woodwork
The first chance fell to the visitors: in the 4th minute, a corner led to a shot from the edge of the box, but the ball sailed over the Vienna goal guarded by Piplits.
Vienna had their first big moment in the 16th minute, when Fankhauser’s direct corner smashed off the crossbar — unlucky for the hosts, who were holding their own at that stage.
Unfortunate goal conceded from a set piece
Vienna stayed well in the game and defended with passion. But in the 35th minute, St. Pölten struck. After a sharply delivered corner, Piplits misjudged the ball in the six-yard box; it flew over her head to the far post, where Balog was waiting to tap in for the 1–0 lead.
Despite the setback, the Döbling side kept pushing. Gutmann made a strong run down the flank and fired a dangerous low cross into the area, but it went untouched past both teammates and opponents.
Crucial blow just before halftime
As Vienna looked set to go into the break just one goal down, another blow came: a long ball — possibly offside — found Zver, who smartly squared it for Hillebrand. She simply had to tap in to make it 2–0 just before the halftime whistle.
Halftime changes and brave restart
At the break, Vienna head coach Mark Dobrounig made a change: Seidl came on for Höcherl. The Blue and Yellows started the second half with energy and attacking intent, but the disciplined visitors kept Vienna’s chances to a minimum.
Clinical guests extend their lead
As Vienna increased the pressure and took more risks, St. Pölten capitalized. In the 65th minute, a poor backpass from Kovar was intercepted by Brunold, who calmly squared it to Zver for an easy finish and the 3–0.
Vienna stay positive but miss their chances
Despite the deficit, Vienna didn’t give up. In the 58th minute, Seidl had a great opportunity after a clever run, but St. Pölten keeper Schlüter came out on top in the one-on-one and parried the shot out for a corner.
Shortly afterward, coach Dobrounig made a double substitution: Schneiderbauer and Amuchie came on for Fuchs and Gebert.
Effort without reward
Vienna continued to work hard and showed great attitude. In the 71st minute, Fankhauser had a decent chance on the rebound after a free kick, but fired over the bar.
In the 81st minute, another good attack followed: Gutmann beat her marker on the wing, but her cross found no one in the box.
Final word from the champions
Instead, it was St. Pölten who had the last say: former Vienna player Mattner played in substitute Brunnthaler, who made it 4–0 in the 83rd minute with a simple finish.
In the final minutes, Vienna made two more substitutions: Németh and Tomczak replaced Natter and Rukavina. The scoreline, however, remained unchanged.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SKN St. Pölten Rush 0:4 (0:2)
ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Round 21
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 12:45 CET
Naturarena Hohe Warte, 241 spectators
Goals: 0:1 Balog (35'), 0:2 Hillebrand (43'), 0:3 Zver (51'), 0:4 Brunnthaler (82')
Vienna: Piplits, Fuchs (60' Amuchie), Natter (88' Németh), Kappenberger, Höcherl (46' Seidl), Kovar, Fankhauser, Hahn, Rukavina (88' Tomczak), Gebert (60' Schneiderbauer), Gutmann
