Vienna Earns a Draw at Austria Salzburg
In the 17th round of the ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Vienna played one final away match to conclude the autumn season. After a goalless first half, the match remained balanced and entertaining after the break as well. In the end, the Blue and Yellows took home a well-deserved point against Austria Salzburg.
To wrap up the year, Vienna once again had to travel. After last week’s final home match of the year against SV Stripfing was postponed, the Blue and Yellows had a weekend without a match before facing newly promoted Austria Salzburg away from home.
Compared to the away game in Bregenz, the coaching staff were once again able to rely on Luxbacher and Bauer, who returned to the starting lineup after serving yellow-card suspensions. In addition, 18-year-old Santino Pistrol celebrated his starting debut in the blue-and-yellow shirt following his brief appearance in Bregenz.
Balanced Opening Phase
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Max Aicher Stadium, Vienna started the match focused and well organized against Salzburg, who had recently shown stability in the league. The opening phase was evenly contested, with both teams looking to attack but initially unable to create clear advantages.
Vienna recorded the first shot on goal in the 11th minute: Seo tried his luck from distance but aimed too centrally, allowing Salzburg goalkeeper Nesler-Täubl to save comfortably. Two minutes later it became more dangerous, once again through Seo, who targeted the near post from a tight angle, but the home keeper produced a strong save to push the ball out for a corner.
Chances at Both Ends
The biggest chance of the first half up to that point fell to Salzburg, although it came from a potentially offside position. Bauer managed to disrupt the attacker in a sprint duel, causing the shot to hit only the side netting.
Vienna threatened again in the 33rd minute when captain Luxbacher fired from outside the box. The ball was awkwardly deflected on the uneven surface, but Nesler-Täubl was able to parry it out for another corner.
Long-Range Efforts and Solid Defense
Vienna continued to attempt shots from distance in an effort to break down Salzburg’s compact defense. In the 41st minute, Abdijanovic took a shot but sent the ball well over the crossbar.
Defensively, the Blue and Yellows were very solid in the first half. In particular, 18-year-old Pistrol slotted in well alongside the experienced Bauer and carried out his duties calmly and with focus. Shortly before halftime, Austria Salzburg created danger from a free kick, but the ball narrowly missed the target, sailing just over the bar.
Unchanged Vienna and an Even Restart
Vienna emerged from the dressing room unchanged, and the pattern of play initially remained the same after the break. Both teams played with commitment, but neither managed to create decisive moments.
In the 53rd minute, Vienna had a promising opportunity. After Abdijanovic was fouled, the visitors were awarded a free kick. Abdijanovic took it himself but narrowly missed the near post. Shortly thereafter, Salzburg combined dangerously into Vienna’s penalty area, but the defense cleared the situation, resulting in a goal kick for the visitors.
Few Clear Chances
The match continued to be evenly balanced, with neither side clearly on top. In the 63rd minute, the home team made the first substitution, bringing on Sorda for Günes.
Soon after, Vienna had one of their best chances of the second half. Rosenberger showed great awareness and found Zimmermann, who cleverly laid the ball off to Seo. The Korean got his shot away but failed to hit the target, sending the ball well over the goal.
Fresh Legs Provide Late Excitement
For the final phase, Vienna added fresh attacking options, with Birkhahn and Djuricin replacing Abdijanovic and Zimmermann. The two substitutes immediately combined to produce the highlight of the match.
Youngster Birkhahn played a brilliant pass to put Djuricin through on goal. However, the experienced striker hesitated at the decisive moment, lost control of the ball, and let a golden opportunity slip away.
Solid Performance to End the Year
In the 87th minute, Vienna made another change, bringing on another young player, Nagele, for Seo. Vienna saw out the draw comfortably in the closing minutes and headed into the winter break with a clear overall improvement in performance.
Austria Salzburg vs. First Vienna FC 1894 0:0 (0:0)
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Round 17
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:30 PM
Max Aicher Stadium
Vienna: Giuliani, Rosenberger, Pistrol, Bauer, Nnamdi, Dantas, Stratznig, Abdijanovic (78’ Birkhahn), Luxbacher, Seo (87’ Nagele), Zimmermann (78’ Djuricin)
