- Fixture: Union Berlin vs Rapid Wien
- Date: Sunday, 20 July 2025
- Venue: Allianz Stadion, Vienna, Austria
Match Preview
The stage is set in Vienna as Union Berlin make the trip to face Rapid Wien in an eagerly anticipated summer friendly. With both clubs looking to build momentum ahead of their respective domestic campaigns, this clash promises excitement, innovation from the managers, and an early test for new signings as well as established stars. The Allianz Stadion, known for its electric atmosphere, will hope to witness attacking football and plenty of goals as two European mainstays collide.
Union Berlin concluded their Bundesliga season battling in mid-table, finishing with 40 points from 34 matches. Their preseason thus far has included convincing friendly wins, notably a 5-0 thrashing of Grün-Weiß Ahrensfelde. In their last five competitive matches, they suffered a heavy defeat against Heidenheim (0-3) but bounced back to edge Augsburg 2-1 away and had hard-fought draws with Werder Bremen and Bochum. This friendly presents another chance for head coach Nenad Bjelica to further integrate new faces and sharpen match fitness ahead of a tricky domestic schedule.
Rapid Wien finished in a similar fashion in the Austrian Bundesliga, with recent results showing mixed form. They endured a 2-4 away defeat to Salzburg but quickly responded by winning 2-1 against Austria Vienna and 3-1 over Sturm Graz, only to lose narrowly to Wolfsberger AC. Their last league outing finished in a goalless draw against Blau-Weiß Linz. Manager Robert Klauß will be keen to see attacking cohesion develop, especially after inconsistent showings in recent friendlies and the pressure to deliver in front of a home crowd.
Both squads have to contend with injury absentees. Union Berlin are missing Woo-Yeong Jeong (ankle) and Aljoscha Kemlein (knock), while Oliver Burke nurses a foot injury and Diogo Leite recovers from a head knock. Rapid Wien remain without experienced striker Guido Burgstaller (ankle), while Romeo Amane and Laurenz Orgler are also sidelined. Isak Jansson has only recently recovered from a knee problem and could feature from the bench.
With both teams in the midst of preseason experiments, expect plenty of rotation and a showcase of youth prospects alongside established leaders. Union Berlin, who thrive on their defensive structure, will test themselves against Rapid’s traditional attacking style—a tactical contrast that should provide plenty of entertainment.
Key Players to Watch
- Union Berlin:
- Frederik Rønnow (Goalkeeper) – Reliable shot-stopper and defensive leader.
- Danilho Doekhi & Diogo Leite (Defenders) – Crucial in building from the back and aerial threats on set-pieces.
- Rani Khedira (Midfield) – Tireless engine with a key role in transitions.
- Benedict Hollerbach & Andrej Ilic (Attack) – Expected to provide pace and cutting edge in front of goal.
- Rapid Wien:
Prediction
This fixture has all the makings of a classic preseason contest: tactical experimentation, flashes of individual brilliance, and a few defensive lapses as fitness is still being built. Union Berlin arrive as slight favorites thanks to their Bundesliga pedigree and stronger recent defensive record, but Rapid Wien will command strong home support and have attacking talent capable of causing problems. Expect a close, entertaining encounter—perhaps ending in a 2-2 draw with both sides finding motivations to impress, but fitness and frequent substitutions making consistency tough to achieve.
Featured Betting Markets
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Union Berlin Win | 6/4 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 12/5 | Bet Now |
| Rapid Wien Win | 7/4 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 4/6 | Bet Now |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 11/10 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer: D. Beljo | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score 2-2 | 10/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative, always check latest prices before placing a bet.
The Allianz Stadion will be buzzing for this international friendly, which looks to be a fun spectacle for supporters of both clubs and neutrals alike.
