Bundesliga: Rapid in low spirits before the cup final

On Sunday you couldn’t help but get the impression that the Green-Whites were already thinking about the big showdown in Klagenfurt. A newly formed team compared to the 1:3 defeat against Sturm conceded three goals within seven minutes after half an hour. “We got the goals far too easily and had no access up front,” complained Grüll. “LASK was able to play whatever it wanted.”

Robert Klauß was then in justification mode. “It’s not about resting players, it’s about the fact that they weren’t available,” said the Rapid coach. “We can’t let them play if they’re not available. Therefore, there was no alternative to the line-up except for perhaps one position.”

LASK sweeps Rapid off the pitch

LASK consolidated third place in the Admiral Bundesliga with a 5-0 win against Rapid and shook off their rivals. The Linzers already created clear conditions with three goals before half-time and are eight points ahead of the Viennese going into the last three rounds. Green-White slipped to fifth place and experienced a completely unsuccessful dress rehearsal for the cup final against Sturm Graz.

Between fear and hope

The chance of securing a fixed European Cup group stage by finishing third in the league if you lose to Sturm in the cup is now gone. The last chance to secure a longer international campaign early remains the Cup. Grüll hopes that the defeat doesn’t leave any lasting traces: “It shouldn’t stay in your head for long.”

Others were already showing off their anticipation. “We want to enjoy the game on Wednesday and go home with a trophy,” said Leopold Querfeld, whose starting eleven comeback ended at halftime due to stress. You have everything in your own hands, the youngster reminded. “I don’t think about us losing everything, but about what we can gain.”

“Worst case scenario” occurred

Klauss admitted that the “worst possible case” had occurred. “We’re getting beaten up here, we’re going home with a bad feeling and have to go back to Klagenfurt in two days.” In fifth place, Rapid now has a negative season record against all five other championship group competitors. After the home game against Salzburg, we will play away against Klagenfurt, who are currently tied on points, and finally at home against Hartberg. A Vienna derby as a duel for the last international starting place is conceivable.

LASK can finally celebrate again

Meanwhile, LASK thought they were on top after difficult weeks including a change of coach and a boycott of sentiment. The biggest win against Rapid was 5-0 and the fans marched home euphoric. “They got a lot of beatings, including from the media. Now they can enjoy the fact that they are good footballers,” said interim coach Thomas Darazs, praising his players after their third win in the fourth game under his direction.

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LASK sweeps Rapid off the pitch

Technicians like Sascha Horvath are thriving again. The midfielder recognized a “different system, that we have more players in the center again, that we are playing football again”. It’s currently working really well. “Still, we have to stay on the ground. Two weeks ago we were booed and now we are cheering together,” said Horvath, who scored again after a long time.

With games against Sturm Graz (at home/31st round) and Salzburg (away/32nd), LASK could be the driving force in the championship race. The fact that the interim dual leadership of Darazs/Maximilian Ritscher acts as a permanent solution on the Gugl is not an issue. “I am in very good communication with the top management of the club and hope that I will be able to get a very good coach where I can also learn,” reported Darazs. “I don’t lose sight of my job as head of the academy, it’s very important to me. The path over the summer is clearly outlined.”