A Final for the Few
June 1, 2026
The 348th Wiener Derby between Austria and Rapid had been on our list since the season started. The last four meetings had been played without away supporters following the incidents at the derby in September 2024, but for this occasion, the away fans were finally allowed back.
At kick-off, Austria painted their block (Ost-Tribüne) in violet and white using ponchos, foils and waving flags, while Rapid unveiled two different choreographies, accompanied by green smoke.
After a quarter of an hour, Austria took the lead just as the upper tier of the two-tiered away end was lit up by pyro. The main Rapid groups – Ultras Rapid, Tornados, Lords and Lions – were all positioned in the upper tier, alongside their friends from Nürnberg, Ferencváros, Parma and Panathinaikos, each displaying their own banners.
Austria struck again in the 35th minute and effectively decided the derby, with both goals – fittingly for such an occasion – celebrated with plenty of pyro.
But that was far from the end. At the start of the second half, both tiers of Ostblock were illuminated with flares. Numerous messages were displayed in the home end, including one aimed at their bitter rivals: “Your mentality ends at your merch-selling point.”
The second half offered almost no action on the pitch, as Rapid did not come close to pulling one back. We do not remember a derby in which the sides were almost level on points before kick-off (Austria had 29, Rapid 26), yet the trailing team failed to create a single chance.
It was Rapid’s 12th straight game without a win. The frustration of their support was voiced repeatedly throughout the match with chants such as: “We want to see you fight” and “We are rapid and who are you“, which was aimed at their own players.
In the very last minute of regular time, that frustration spilt over, with numerous pyrotechnics thrown onto the pitch, causing a lengthy delay. Police intervened, and the home sector closest to the away end was cleared. After 15 minutes, the players returned to complete the added time.
Austria’s players and staff celebrated an important win on the pitch, while their fans delivered another pyro show – this time including rockets. Austria supporters are dreaming of their first league title since 2013. With this victory, they are now just one point behind league leaders LASK and the artificial construct from Mozart’s city.
The situation in the green-and-white half of the capital is very different, as Rapid missed a chance to return to the top six. Their players briefly approached the away end to applaud the travelling support, but turned away before the whistles could intensify.
Following the incidents, Rapid stated on their official website that they will, until further notice, “refrain from using their ticket allocation for the away section at away derbies.” This means that at least the next few derbies at the Franz Horr Stadion will take place without Rapid supporters.
For neutral fans, there is at least still hope that Austria will be allowed to bring their support to Rapid’s Weststadion.
After visiting the Vienna derby twice at Rapid’s stadium, this was our first trip to the Franz Horr Stadion. The ground is excellent and further enhances the already impressive atmosphere. Built in 1925, it has undergone several major renovations, most recently in 2018.
But rather than becoming another soulless modern bowl, it has retained its distinct character. The floodlights remain in place, and the two-tiered stands – shaped by spatial constraints – give it a distinctly British feel.
We would recommend a visit to anyone, especially for the derby. The only question is when it will next be played with both sets of supporters present.
