Vienna celebrates 3–1 Cup Victory in Tillmitsch
Vienna kicked off the new season with an away match in Styria against SV Tillmitsch in the first round of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup. The Blue and Yellows got off to a dream start, taking the lead within seconds. In the end, they secured a 3–1 away win against a spirited opponent.
Starting XI Features Four Newcomers
Head coaches Aleksandar Gitsov and Mehmet Sütcü started with four of the six summer signings. Bamba Susso was unavailable due to pending work permit paperwork, while Marco Djuricin was not yet fit enough for a Cup appearance.
Lightning Start by Zimmermann
Vienna began the match with intense pressure. After aggressive counter-pressing, the Döbling side won the ball in the first minute. Stratznig chipped the ball into the box, where Zimmermann coolly converted to give Vienna a 1–0 lead.
Tillmitsch Dangerous on Set Pieces
The early goal only briefly unsettled the hosts. The Styrians tried to get into the game through passion and effort. While Vienna largely controlled proceedings, they allowed a few set-piece opportunities during this phase.
Tillmitsch had their first real chance in the 15th minute: Strahlhofer curled a free kick just wide of the right post. Five minutes later, it was again Strahlhofer with a dangerous shot on goal from a free kick, but Giuliani was alert and tipped the ball out for a corner.
Few Chances for Either Side
After a lively opening, the game settled down. Tillmitsch repeatedly disrupted Vienna’s attacking flow and remained dangerous, particularly from set plays. In the 40th minute, a corner from the home side sailed dangerously through the Vienna box but found no taker.
Vienna’s final notable chance of the half came in the 43rd minute: Rosenberger fired from distance, but Gröbacher in goal made a great save to push it out for a corner.
Halftime: Vienna Leads 1–0
With the early lead behind them, Vienna controlled much of the play but failed to create clear chances. The hosts fought back with determination but went into the break goalless. Vienna led 1–0 at halftime.
Vienna Decides the Match in the Second Half
Vienna came out unchanged and more energetic after the break. The hosts had the first effort in the 49th minute, but the shot was well off target. Shortly after, Vienna created danger for the first time in the half: Zimmermann got on the end of a corner with a header, but couldn’t direct it on goal.
Abdijanovic Doubles the Lead
After a quickly taken free kick, which Abdijanovic had earned himself, Ungar got a shot off in the box – but a Tillmitsch defender cleared at the last second for a corner. Vienna increased the pressure and were rewarded in the 59th minute: Szerencsi won the ball through pressing, and Abdijanovic wasted no time, firing a brilliant shot into the net to make it 2–0.
Equalizer Brings Game Back to Life
But the hosts didn’t give up and hit back just three minutes later. Giuliani initially made a strong save, but in the 62nd minute, after a chaotic scene and a clearance off the line by Okungbowa, the referee ruled the ball had crossed the line – goal for Tillmitsch. The 2–1 scoreline gave the hosts new energy, at least briefly.
Abdijanovic Strikes Again
In the 67th minute, coaches Gitsov and Sütcü made a change, bringing on Schmidt for Edelhofer. Just four minutes later, Abdijanovic once again showed his class: after a strong dribble, he beat two defenders, and his shot was slightly deflected, ending up unstoppable in the net – 3–1 for Vienna (71st minute).
Giuliani Stands Strong as Vienna Seals the Win
Tillmitsch threw everything forward in the final stages in hopes of pulling off a Cup upset. But Giuliani had a fantastic day, making several key saves to deny any further goals.
Vienna made a few substitutions in the closing minutes: in the 80th minute, Diomandé came on for two-goal hero Abdijanovic; shortly before the final whistle, Zeidler replaced the impressive Zimmermann. Eight minutes from time, Zimmermann had a golden chance to make it 4–1 but was denied by the Tillmitsch goalkeeper.
Despite the home side’s best efforts, Vienna confidently saw out the win and celebrated a well-deserved 3–1 victory to start their competitive season. The team now heads into next week's league opener away at SV Stripfing with growing confidence.
Match Summary
SV Tillmitsch vs. First Vienna FC 1894 1:3 (0:1)
UNIQA ÖFB Cup, First Round
Friday, July 25, 2025, 7:30 PM
Nunner Arena – 1,000 spectators
Goals:
0:1 Zimmermann (1'),
0:2 Abdijanovic (59'),
1:2 Lang (62'),
1:3 Abdijanovic (71')
Vienna Line-up:
Giuliani, Szerencsi, Luxbacher, Abdijanovic (80' Diomandé), Rosenberger, Zimmermann (90' Zeidler), Okungbowa, Bauer, Stratznig, Ungar, Edelhofer (67' Schmidt)
