Second place could normally be awarded on Wednesdays in Vienna. Rapid does not contest the qualification for the Champions League (2nd round) even in the event of a win. Because planning security for international tasks is still not in sight for the teams.
Even before the Austrian European Cup starters close to UEFA on August 3, it could be tight if the LASK, as announced, exhaustes the entire chain of instances in the training affair to get another four points back. According to Sky information, the Linzers have not yet received the long version of the protest committee’s judgment and have therefore not yet been brought before the Permanent Neutral Arbitration Court.
Unpleasant side scenes on which Austria is playing soccer 2020. “I found it strange that the LASK still got the two points,” said WAC coach Ferdinand Feldhofer when asked about his forecast. This should be hidden from the athletes. “Ultimately, it is not in our power to see what happens there. It is important to look at us.”
Decisions are pending. Corona-related, the Wednesday hit in Vienna in front of empty spectator stands. “I would have loved to play at Rapid against a large backdrop,” said LASK trainer Valerien Ismael ahead of the ghost game. However: “Without a spectator there is no home advantage. The team that wants the victory more is successful.”
The Upper Austrians want to implement this with attention to their own principles. “We have it in our own hands in the last two rounds. The one who stays calm and stays focused will take the European ticket.”
The pendulum did not swing twice in the direction of Linz on Sunday. The late loss to WAC by a penalty from Shon Weissman (88th) was an unfortunate one due to the course of the game. The Carinthian didn’t mind. The big goal of the season, the renewed international qualification, is under one roof. “This gives us looseness and freshness for the last two games,” said an overjoyed Feldhofer.
Two rounds before the end there is the following curious situation: In second place, the teams can hope for a million rain from the “premier class”, but at the same time there is also the danger of an early European Cup elimination (only one knockout game) without participating in a group phase. The third in the final table, on the other hand, can calculate the income from the Europa League group phase. The third year last year WAC, which still receives Rapid at the end, also takes this place.
Before the possible showdown, the “wolves” lurking two points behind the LASK still have to succeed in Hartberg, after the victory in Pasching we went directly to the training camp in Bad Waltersdorf. The focus is on physical and mental regeneration. Conventional team training has not been possible for some time due to the rhythm of the game. The LASK also only sprinkles light training on Tuesday until the trip to Vienna.
