This felt like a special day from long before Union and Rapid kicked off this pre-season friendly. For Christopher Trimmel and Leopold Querfeld, the game in Vienna-Hütteldorf was a special encounter. Captain Trimmel returned to his old club for the first time in a Union shirt, while Querfeld – a native Viennese and Rapid homegrown player – brought his new side to his hometown.  

Before a vibrant backdrop, Union and Rapid faced off, two true traditional clubs, whose passionate fan bases shaped the atmosphere from the very beginning. However, the highlights on the pitch took a while to arrive. The first fifteen minutes only saw a few half-chances. Only the header from Danilho Doekhi in the third minute needed to be cleared off the line.  

The home side sputtered into  attack, but they never managed to seriously challenge Union's number one, Frederik Rönnow. In the 35th minute, however, a slight murmur went through the Vienna Allianz Stadion, but the header from Janis Antiste only made the outside net shake. 

At least the Union fans packing their corner of the  stadium were rewarded before the break despite the impenetrable heat. Across from Andrej Ilic to the second post was misjudged by Rapid's goalkeeper Hedl and Tim Skarke was rewarded for his good run and sharp awareness. From close range, the strikerpushed the ball over the line. And so, just like yesterday, they went into half-time with a narrow lead. 

While both coaches used the break for some substitutions, Rapid's number one, Peter Stöger made a tactical adjustment,  switching his side to a 4-4-2.  

Despite the temperatures, both teams showed willingness to run and looked to be direct. However, this did not necessarily mean that the second half was characterised by its chances. Quite the contrary. Only in the 66th minute did Rapid magic up their first goal threat. A free kick from Radulovic hit the post, but to their  credit they pushed on, and forced the equaliser. Once again it was Radulovic, who managed to break through on the rightand sent the ball into the penalty area. The cross was finished off by Mbuyi into the goal (68). 

Even though the hosts upped their attacks after the goal, it was Union who notched up the best chance until the end of the match in the 83rd minute. Ilyas Ansah found the advanced Elias Ali with a wonderful lob in the Rapid penalty area, but his powerful shot landed squarely in Hedl's arms. Rapid launched some long balls into the Union box, but they were dealt with comfortably. In the end, 1-1 seemed about right.