Dundee United's Conference League campaign ended in heartbreak as they lost a penalty shootout to Rapid Vienna at Tannadice. Jim Goodwin's side had led 2-0 through a Max Watters double but were pegged back before losing the shootout 5-4.
Watters opened the scoring in the 25th minute, heading in Will Ferry's cross. The striker then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 41st minute after VAR confirmed a foul on Zac Sapsford. Rapid Vienna fought back, with Janis Antiste scoring from a corner in the 63rd minute and substitute Ercan Kara levelling the tie in the second half.
Extra time produced no further goals, and the match went to penalties. Amar Fatah hit the post with United's first spot-kick, and Rapid Vienna converted all five of theirs to progress. Will Ferry, Bert Esselink, Vicko Sevelj and Kristin Keresztes scored for United.
The result ended United's European run, but there were positives. Goodwin's side had won their first European game in 28 years against UNA Strassen and secured a creditable 2-2 draw in Vienna. The manager praised his team's effort despite a lengthy injury list that left six players unavailable.
The atmosphere at Tannadice was electric, with fans welcoming back loan signing Luca Stephenson from Liverpool. Despite the disappointment, United restored some pride in their European record after years of absence from continental competition.
