First, a brief look at the league system in Austria. The Bundesliga includes twelve teams that each play against each other twice in the main round. After 22 matchdays, the table is then divided – the top six teams enter the championship round, while the others play in the qualification group to avoid relegation. All points are halved before the start of the second phase to enliven the competition. In the end, the last-placed team of the qualification round is relegated, while the winner of this group has a chance to secure a European Cup spot through a Play-off.

This opportunity was taken by Linzer ASK last season. Although they narrowly missed the championship group last season, finishing in seventh place on the last matchday – right behind local rivals Blau-Weiß Linz – the black and whites secured first place in the qualification round and fought their way to the Play-off final, with a ticket for the Conference League for the winner. However, after a 3-1 victory in the first leg against Rapid, they suffered a bitter 0-3 defeat in the second leg, with the decisive goal coming only in stoppage time.

Before Rapid could celebrate this success, the path of the Viennese side led them through fifth place in the main round to the championship group, where they came only ahead of Blau-Weiß Linz. In Europe, Rapid celebrated a highlight last season. however. For the first time since 1996, the club reached the quarter-finals in European competition, only to be eliminated after extra time against Djurgarden IF. Due to an overall mixed season, a coaching change was made – Robert Klaus, known in Germany for his coaching position at 1. FC Nürnberg, was released, and Peter Stöger took over. The former Rapid professional had previously been active as head coach in Köln and Dortmund, among others.

Union's striker Marin Ljubičić will meet old companions at LASK on Saturday. The 23-year-old Croatian played 100 matches for the Upper Austrians and scored 36 goals in black and white.

One day later, Union captain Christopher Trimmel and Leopold Querfeld return to their old stomping ground. Trimmel wore the green-and-white of Rapid from 2008 to 2014, playing 229 competitive matches for the club during that time. Defender Querfeld also looks back on a long history with Rapid. Since 2012, he went through all the youth sides, and made 113 appearances in the first team before moving to Berlin.

The Friendly against is the first time both clubs meet. Union faced Rapid in the summer of 2023 as part of their pre-season preparations. Union won the match at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, 3-0.

Union’s head coach Steffen Baumgart and his coaching team have to do without Aljoscha Kemlein, Wooyeong Jeong, and Livan Burcu for the upcoming friendlies.

“We are looking forward to the two games in Austria and hope for a good response," said Union's head coach, Steffen Baumgart, ahead of the long weekend. "These are important tests for us, as both opponents are already a step further in their preparation. Accordingly, we expect intense matches in which we will be properly challenged." 

All information regarding stadium visits can be found here (German) The Union-Fahr-Zeughaus will also be on site.