Shoveled, fought, triumphed: Vienna celebrates 2–1 home victory against league leaders
For the spring opener, First Vienna FC 1894 hosted league leaders SKN St. Pölten at the Hohe Warte. In wintry conditions, Zimmermann gave the Blue-Yellows the lead shortly before halftime. After conceding an equalizer, Vienna showed great character and ultimately secured a well-deserved 2–1 victory.
Outstanding effort off the pitch
Even before kickoff, extraordinary work was done at the Hohe Warte. From Thursday to Friday, countless helpers, fans, volunteers, the Vienna infrastructure team, club staff, and supporters from Jugend am Werk put in many hours of hard work to clear enormous amounts of snow. As a result, one of the few playable pitches in Vienna was ready for action on Friday.
A huge thank you to everyone who lent a hand and made the seemingly impossible possible in true Vienna spirit. We bow to the Vienna family!
New faces in the starting eleven
Head coach Hans Kleer opted for fresh legs from the outset: Prohart, Gantschnig, and Odagaki—three of the four winter signings—started the match. Max Mergner initially took a seat on the bench. Also back in the squad and ready to come on as a substitute was striker Christoph Monschein.
Intense start and early chances
Vienna began the match actively and boldly but were repeatedly disrupted in the opening phase by fouls from the visitors. The first big chance, however, fell to the team from Lower Austria: Djuricin was played in from an offside position and looked to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Unger, but the assistant referee’s flag went up in time.
Vienna growing into the game
In the 12th minute, Vienna created their first dangerous opportunity. Prohart got a shot away inside the box, but the St. Pölten goalkeeper cleared it for a corner.
Just minutes later, in the 21st minute, the ball landed dangerously in the visitors’ six-yard box. Captain Luxbacher nearly got a shot off but was decisively challenged at the last moment.
Chances at both ends
The match developed into an open contest with action on both sides. Vienna’s biggest chance up to that point came in the 36th minute. A precise cross found Seo completely unmarked in the box, but his header was brilliantly saved by the St. Pölten keeper.
Zimmermann heads home the opener
Right on the stroke of halftime came the deserved reward for an energetic first half. Nnamdi broke through on the wing, used his pace, and delivered a pinpoint cross into the center. Zimmermann was waiting and headed home to make it 1–0 for Vienna at the break, sending the Hohe Warte into celebration.
Energetic restart
Vienna came out of the locker room full of energy and made an immediate statement. Rosenberger got a shot away, which the visiting goalkeeper could only punch clear. Odagaki reacted quickly to the rebound and sent a cross back into the box, but it could not be converted.
Open game despite freezing temperatures
Even after the break, the match remained intense and entertaining. Despite the winter chill, both sides continued to push forward. Zimmermann had two more promising attempts but was denied at the last second by St. Pölten defenders on each occasion.
Substitutions bring new momentum
In the 64th minute, Vienna made their first substitution: Nagele replaced Zimmermann. The visitors responded shortly afterward with a triple substitution in the 67th minute to inject fresh energy into their side.
Equalizer from a set piece
In the 72nd minute, Vienna conceded the equalizer. Goalkeeper Unger initially punched the ball clear, but it fell to Ferstl, who reacted quickly and lofted a composed finish over everyone into the net.
Vienna stay courageous
Just minutes later, Vienna had a similar opportunity. The visiting goalkeeper cleared an attack, but the ball fell to Nnamdi. He tried his luck from distance, but his shot sailed well over the crossbar.
Penalty restores the lead
Vienna’s response was swift. After a beautifully constructed attack, Seo showed great vision and sent Prohart perfectly into space. Charging toward goal, the Vienna player was brought down illegally by a defender, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Seo took responsibility and calmly converted the penalty to restore the lead for the Döbling side.
Emotional comeback at the Hohe Warte
Shortly afterward came a very special moment: Christoph Monschein celebrated his return to competitive action after more than a year out injured, coming on for Seo. Odagaki was also replaced by Szerencsi.
Deserved victory to start the spring
In the closing stages, Vienna held onto their advantage and confidently saw out the win against league leaders SKN St. Pölten.
A strong performance rewarded with three points, proving that the hard work of recent weeks has paid off. A perfect start to the spring campaign for First Vienna FC 1894. Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who made this special Vienna evening possible in our living room! 💙💛
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SKN St. Pölten 2–1 (1–0)
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Round 18
Friday, 20 February 2026, 8:30 PM
Naturarena Hohe Warte, 1,538 spectators
Goals: 1–0 Zimmermann (45’), 1–1 Ferstl (72’), 2–1 Seo (81’, pen.)
Vienna: Unger, Rosenberger, Gantschnig, Bauer, Nnamdi, Stratznig, Prohart, Odagaki (87’ Szerencsi), Luxbacher, Seo (87’ Monschein), Zimmermann (64’ Nagele)
