Vienna Lose Rescheduled Fixture Against Sturm II
Matchday 24 of the ADMIRAL 2nd League took Vienna back to Styria. In the rescheduled match against Sturm Graz II, the Blue and Yellows suffered a clear 4–1 defeat despite a committed start.
After the weather-related postponement of the clash against Sturm Graz II, First Vienna FC travelled to Gleisdorf for the rescheduled game. Coach Stefan Manzana Marin again relied on the same starting XI that had been available for his debut against Voitsberg.
Early Chances at Both Ends
Vienna made an early statement in the very first minute: a quick move saw Edelhofer break into the Styrians’ penalty area, but under pressure, he couldn't get a clean shot away – his attempt was blocked at the last second.
The hosts answered immediately: in the 4th minute, Gurmann tried a shot from distance, narrowly missing the far post of Vienna's goal.
Moments later, Edelhofer let fly from about 20 metres, his shot dramatically smashing against the far post.
Unlucky Setback
In the 12th minute came a shock for the Blue and Yellows: following a Graz attack, the ball reached Mustafic, who passed into the box. Unlucky defender Bauer deflected the ball in such a way that it ended up unsaveably in his own net – 1–0 for Sturm II.
Vienna Push Forward, Sturm Clinical
Vienna weren’t rattled by the early goal and continued to push forward, mainly down the left flank. However, Graz's defence stayed alert and shut down many dangerous situations early on.
In the 25th minute, Vienna had a golden opportunity to equalise: after a long ball into the box, Sturm keeper Bignetti was only able to clear weakly. Edelhofer had a go, but his shot lacked the punch to seriously trouble the goalkeeper.
Defensive Mistakes Punished Without Mercy
A further communication breakdown in Vienna’s defence led to the second goal conceded: Bauer initially cleared, but Omerovic played the ball carelessly back into the middle – right into the feet of Nsumbu, who made no mistake and made it 2–0.
Shortly afterward, the hosts struck again: a long ball split Vienna’s defensive line, and while Unger made the initial save, Nsumbu was on hand to convert the rebound – 3–0 to Sturm Graz II.
Harsh First Half for the Döbling Side
Despite some decent attacking spells, Vienna had to go into the break trailing heavily. Individual mistakes and a lack of finishing precision cancelled out what was otherwise a committed performance.
Three Fresh Faces After the Break
At halftime, Vienna coach Stefan Manzana Marin reacted with a triple substitution: Nnamdi, Diomande and Zimmermann came on for Steiner, Edelhofer and Schmidt. The changes had an immediate impact – sub Diomande tested Sturm keeper Bignetti with a long-range effort just after the restart, but the goalie was alert and tipped it out for a corner.
Unger Keeps Vienna in the Match
Vienna’s more attacking approach left space at the back. In the 53rd minute, goalkeeper Unger had to pull off a top save to prevent another goal. Just two minutes later, he shone again in a one-on-one situation.
In the 58th minute, Vienna made another substitution: Peham came on for Dilek.
Sturm Ruthless, Vienna Lack Firepower
Despite their efforts, Vienna lacked the final touch in attack. Sturm Graz II, on the other hand, remained clinical. In the 63rd minute, a corner led to the fourth goal: once again it was Nsumbu, who headed home to complete his hat trick.
Five minutes later, Titkov replaced Ungar – another attempt to add new impetus to the game.
Consolation Goal by Luxbacher
In the 72nd minute, Vienna managed to show some offensive intent: a well-hit free kick from Omerovic didn't pose much of a threat, but shortly after, a long ball into the box found captain Luxbacher, who rose highest and headed home for the 4–1 consolation goal.
Late Highlights and Reliable Goalkeeping
In the closing stages, both teams largely neutralised each other. In injury time, Unger made another solid save. In the end, a bitter defeat for Vienna against a clinical Sturm II side.
SK Sturm II vs. First Vienna FC 1894 – 4:1 (3:0)
ADMIRAL 2nd League, Matchday 24
Friday, 18 April 2025, 18:00 CEST
Solarstadion Gleisdorf
Goals: 1:0 – Bauer (12’, own goal), 2:0 – Nsumbu (33’), 3:0 – Nsumbu (40’), 4:0 – Nsumbu (63’), 4:1 – Luxbacher B. (73’)
First Vienna FC line-up: Unger, Steiner (46’ Nnamdi), Luxbacher B., Bumbic, Omerovic, Schmidt (46’ Diomande), Bauer, Stratznig, Dilek (58’ Peham), Ungar (67’ Titkov), Edelhofer (46’ Zimmermann)
