Dundee United’s hopes of progressing in the Conference League were dashed in a dramatic penalty shootout against Rapid Vienna, marking a heartbreaking end to a night of high drama at Tannadice. Despite leading by two goals at half-time, the Terrors couldn’t hold on, eventually succumbing to the Austrians’ perfect penalty record.
The evening began with unusual weather conditions, perhaps foreshadowing the rollercoaster of emotions to come. But few could have predicted the elation of seeing Dundee United two goals ahead against their Austrian opponents by the interval.
A Dream Start
United took the lead midway through the first half with a well-executed move. Zach Sapsford, playing a creative role in midfield, released Will Ferry down the left flank. Ferry delivered a precise cross into the box, where Max Watters headed home, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The atmosphere intensified as United doubled their advantage just before half-time. Sapsford again proved instrumental, embarking on a solo run that led to a clumsy challenge from Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao inside the box. VAR intervened, awarding United a penalty, which Watters confidently dispatched past goalkeeper Niklas Hedl.
At half-time, the dream of progressing in Europe felt tantalisingly close. However, memories of past collapses lingered, serving as a reminder that the job was far from done.
Rapid’s Fightback
The second half saw Rapid Vienna mount a spirited comeback. Janis Antiste reduced the deficit with a glancing header from a corner, and then Ercan Kara, brought on as a substitute, equalised with an acrobatic backheel flick into the corner of the net.
Kara almost snatched victory for Rapid in the dying moments of extra time, but his header sailed over the bar, forcing the game to a penalty shootout.
Heartbreak in the Shootout
The penalty shootout proved to be a cruel decider. Amar Fatah’s opening penalty for United struck the post, putting the home side on the back foot. Rapid Vienna, in contrast, maintained their composure, converting all five of their spot-kicks, with Bendeguiz Bolla sealing the victory.
Youthful Promise
Despite the defeat, there were positives to take for United. Manager Jim Goodwin introduced several young Scottish players – Owen Stirton, Miller Thomson, Kai Fotheringham, and Scott Constable – in an attempt to swing the tie back in their favour. Stirton, the youngest at 18, had a golden opportunity to put United ahead in extra time but was denied by a fine save from Hedl. The home fans rallied around the youngster, chanting his name in a show of support.
Echoes of the Past
The match evoked memories of past European nights at Tannadice. The atmosphere was electric, fuelled by passionate support from both sets of fans. While the stakes weren’t quite as high as the European Cup quarter-final clash between the two sides in 1984, the sense of occasion was palpable.
The Rapid Vienna team of 1984 featured legendary players such as Hans Krankl and Antonin Panenka. For Dundee United, club ambassadors like Paul Hegarty and Davie Dodds, who scored the winning goal in that famous 1984 tie, watched on as new stars emerged.
Individual Performances
Max Watters, on loan from Barnsley, continued his impressive form, scoring his fourth goal in three games. Krisztian Keresztes’s crucial sliding tackle to deny Antiste drew comparisons to former United hero Davie Narey. Goalkeeper Kucherenko also put in a solid performance.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Dundee United must now focus on the future. They can take heart from their improved performance and the emergence of promising young players.
Manager Jim Goodwin’s post-match mantra was to look ahead to next year, reflecting both the disappointment of the moment and the determination to return stronger. Rapid Vienna, meanwhile, will face Hungarian side Gyori ETO in the play-off round.