Even for experienced defensive stalwart Kathi Schiechtl, the derby is something new: "There was the small derby against Vienna, but Rapid against Austria is something completely different. You can feel the tension when you live in Vienna. It will be a completely different game, one I haven't experienced before either."
"Rapid won't make it easy for us"
The roles are clearly distributed ahead of the historic encounter. Double winners and Champions League participants Austria Wien naturally go into the home derby as favorites. However, the Violets are aware that their city rivals should not be underestimated.
"Rapid won't make it easy for us; they will certainly push hard," warns coach Stefan Kenesei about the Green-Whites. But he knows: "We are the favorites and we clearly want to win the game. But we know that we have to work at least as hard as we did today (Editor's note: Champions League draw against Inter Milan)."
With one win and three draws, the promoted team has six points after seven matches played, while Austria has 16 points.
"Wir können einfach nicht gegen Rapid verlieren, das bringe ich nicht übers Herz."
Unlike Austria, who were in action in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Thursday, the Rapid players arrive in Vienna's tenth district with a week off.
No Away Fans
There will be no away fans from SK Rapid. The explanation on the club website reads as follows: "Even for the matches of our promoted women's team, we feel obligated to uphold the security measure issued by Senate 1 in February 2026, stating that from the internal legal validity, no away fans will be permitted at Vienna Derbies (explicitly decided by Senate 1 at the time for Rapid II matches as well, by the way) in the Generali Arena for the next three years, and we thank you for your understanding."
"It's a shame the atmosphere won't be as big," says Kenesei. "I believe it would have been possible to bring Rapid fans into the stadium as well. Women's football can handle that. Both teams deserve a great atmosphere." Due to the waiver of guest tickets, ticket purchases were restricted exclusively to members and season ticket holders of the Violets.
Nevertheless, an exciting match is guaranteed. Austria coach Kenesei, himself an Austrian supporter, makes it clear before the duel: "We simply cannot lose against Rapid, I can't bear it."
Promoting Women's Football
Even before the start of the season, Rapid captain Sandrina Haupt was asked about the big duel with the city rivals.
Above all, she also sees it as an opportunity.
"It will be a very special duel against Austria Wien. However, I hope that we can use it to promote women's football," says Haupt.
She continued: "But also that things continue to progress a bit in Austria and that we can perhaps inspire one or two young girls or spectators for women's football."
