Vienna earns a point at the champions to close the season
In their final fixture of the season, Vienna secured a deserved 1-1 draw away at champions SV Ried. Despite going behind, the team showed great character and were rewarded with a late equalizer from captain Bernhard Luxbacher. In front of a lively atmosphere and with loud support from numerous travelling fans, Vienna bid farewell to the season with a valuable point.
Vienna travel to the freshly crowned champions
For the last game of the ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Vienna visited the newly promoted champions SV Ried. The Viennese arrived to the Innviertel region heavily weakened, missing eight regular or squad players through injury or illness, including Monschein, Rusek, Boateng, Ungar, Bumbic, Diomande, Dilek, and Daniel Luxbacher.
Early pressure from Ried – Vienna stands firm
In front of a sold-out crowd, both teams started the match with high intensity. The first dangerous moment fell to the hosts, with a sharp cross into the box that couldn’t be converted. Afterwards, SV Ried took control, dominating possession and pushing play mainly into Vienna’s half.
However, Vienna fought hard and relied on quick counterattacks. In the 10th minute, Schmidt broke forward on a counter but his shot went over the crossbar.
Vienna create chances but lack finishing luck
The visitors grew more confident and created further opportunities. In the 13th minute, Edelhofer tested the keeper with a long-range effort, again going over. Shortly after, Vienna had their best attacking move so far: a precise pass from Nnamdi into the box was just cleared off the line by a Ried defender before Zimmermann could finish.
Injury woes hit Ried hard
Ried were forced into multiple early substitutions. After a planned change in the 12th minute (Berger replacing Bajic), Pomer got injured and was replaced by Bumberger. Soon after, Eza limped off, replaced by Marinsek. In the 35th minute, Bumberger also had to come off injured, exhausting Ried’s first-half substitution quota. They finished the first half with ten men on the pitch.
Late first-half chances
Despite being a man down, Ried went close again before halftime: Mayer headed a cross but Vienna keeper Unger made a confident save. On the other end, Edelhofer had a last-gasp chance in injury time, firing over from a cross by Alozie.
Second half starts without changes – Ried use final subs
Vienna made no personnel changes at the break, while Ried made their last two subs: goalkeeper Leitner replaced Wimmer, and Agbenyenu came on for the injured Bumberger.
Cagey start – Edelhofer’s long-range attempt
The second half began cautiously, with both sides probing but no clear-cut chances early on. Vienna’s Edelhofer again tried his luck from distance, but the effort sailed high.
Ried capitalize on set-piece – Sollbauer heads home
The game became scrappier, with numerous fouls and mistakes. Ried gradually gained more control, and in the 60th minute, defender Sollbauer rose highest to power home a header from a Rasner free-kick, giving the hosts the lead.
Fresh legs brought on for Vienna’s late charge
Coach Sütcü reacted quickly, bringing on Peham for Schmidt. A double substitution followed in the 70th minute, with Zeidler replacing Zimmermann and Ochs coming on for Edelhofer.
Luxbacher rescues a point
Despite trailing, Vienna threw everything forward in the closing stages. After a Nnamdi cross, Luxbacher had a chance but fired over. However, the captain got a second opportunity when a loose ball fell to Titkov, who cleverly laid it off to Luxbacher. The experienced forward kept his cool and slotted home the equalizer in the 89th minute.
Shortly after, Steiner replaced Nnamdi. In the dying moments, Ried pushed hard for a winner in front of their home crowd, but Vienna held firm and saw out the draw.
Respectable point to end the season – Thanks to the fans
With the 1-1 at the champions, Vienna conclude their campaign with a respectable point. A special thank you goes to the many traveling supporters who backed the team vocally in the final away match — your loyalty throughout the season is greatly appreciated!
SV Ried vs. First Vienna FC 1894 1:1 (0:0)
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Round 30
Sunday, 25 May 2025, 17:00
Innviertel Arena, 6,900 spectators
Goals: 1-0 Sollbauer (60'), 1-1 Luxbacher B. (89')
Vienna line-up: Unger, Luxbacher B., Omerovic, Schmidt (61’ Peham), Zimmermann (70’ Zeidler), Alozie, Bauer, Stratznig, Titkov, Nnamdi, Edelhofer (70’ Ochs)
