Deserved home win to close out the season
In their final match of the ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga season, First Vienna FC faced SK Sturm Graz. After a goalless first half, Vienna took the lead with a penalty converted by Natter and secured a 1–0 home victory to end the season on a high.
Balanced start with slight advantage for Sturm
The match began with both teams cautiously feeling each other out. The visitors from Graz had slightly more possession early on but failed to create any real danger in front of Vienna’s goal. The home side’s defense remained compact and gave away little.
Vienna grow into the game – first chances
As the game progressed, Vienna gained control and created their first opportunities. The first notable chance came from Wucher, whose shot from the left side of the box hit the side netting.
Moments later, a dangerous cross from Höcherl caused confusion in Sturm’s penalty area. Hahn was in a promising position to finish, but a Graz defender managed to clear at the last moment.
Header and long-range efforts – Vienna keep pushing
Vienna’s attacking efforts continued. After a precise cross from Amuchie into the box, Gebert got on the end of it with a header but placed the ball directly at the goalkeeper.
Shortly after, Rukavina tried her luck from distance, but her shot sailed well over the bar.
Sturm stabilize – Vienna struggle in final third
Sturm began to settle defensively. Vienna continued to play fluidly through midfield but often lacked precision and penetration in the final third. The well-organized backline of the visitors limited clear chances. Another long-range attempt by Gebert in the 31st minute also failed to trouble the keeper.
Late chances before halftime
Just before the break, both sides had close calls. Vienna made a mistake while clearing the ball, allowing a Sturm attacker to break through one-on-one with goalkeeper Piplits. Her shot narrowly missed the post.
On the counterattack, Vienna responded with a dangerous header from Fuchs after a corner, but the attempt missed the target by a small margin.
Goalless first half
The first 45 minutes were evenly matched. Vienna had the better chances but lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. Sturm remained dangerous on the counter but couldn’t convert their opportunities either. The match went into halftime at 0–0.
Halftime substitution – Natter brings fresh momentum
Vienna coach Dobrounig made his first change at the break, bringing on Linda Natter for Wucher. The switch paid off immediately. Natter had a shot in her first action after the restart, but it was deflected for a corner by a Sturm defender.
Vienna take control – chances remain limited
Vienna continued to dominate possession in the second half, pressing the visitors deep into their own half. Despite their dominance, clear-cut chances were rare. Sturm focused on defending and tried to threaten with counterattacks and set pieces.
Around the hour mark, Sturm made a double substitution, bringing on Tragel and Spiess.
Penalty leads to breakthrough – Natter stays cool
In the 69th minute, Vienna were finally rewarded for their efforts. Amuchie charged into the box and was brought down. The referee pointed to the spot. Natter stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Minutes later, Vienna made a double substitution, bringing on Németh and Kappenberger for Höcherl and Fankhauser.
Sturm lack ideas – Vienna push for second
Sturm posed little threat going forward. Their rare chances came from set pieces, but Vienna’s defense remained solid. The better chances continued to fall to the home side. In the 86th minute, Natter hit the crossbar with a powerful shot.
Shortly after, Vienna made their final substitutions, with Rukavina and Gebert making way for Tomczak and Falk.
Late chance missed – Vienna hold on for the win
In the final minute, Vienna had a great opportunity to seal the win. A long ball found Kappenberger, who broke free but couldn’t quite control the pass and the chance slipped away.
Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle. Vienna celebrated a deserved 1–0 home win to close out the season successfully.
Emotional farewell – seven players bid goodbye
Away from the pitch, an emotional moment marked the final matchday: before kick-off, Vienna held a farewell ceremony for seven players who will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Julia Kappenberger, Loretta Németh, Linda Natter, Magdalene Rukavina, Liv-Lilith Falk, Milla Puck and Christina Schönwetter – all long-standing team members and key contributors – said their goodbyes to the team.
Vienna says thank you – for your commitment, your passion, and all the moments we shared on and off the pitch. All the best for your next steps – you will always be part of the Vienna family.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SK Sturm Graz 1:0 (0:0)
ADMIRAL Women’s Bundesliga, Matchday 24
Saturday, 17 May 2025, 2:00 PM
Naturarena Hohe Warte – Attendance: 265
Goals: 1:0 Natter (70')
Vienna: Piplits, Amuchie, Fuchs, Höcherl (71' Németh), Kovar, Seidl, Fankhauser (71' Kappenberger), Hahn, Rukavina, Gebert, Wucher (46' Natter)
