Bittersweet moments in football are common and despite dominating the match Rapid were left to pay a high price for the victory. A scan confirmed initial fears and it transpires that Branko´s goal on saturday will be the classy left footers last action of the season. The midfield maestro fell badly on his arm following an aerial duel, meaning he will miss our remaining fixtures.An extremely harsh incident that marred a superb performance. Rapid flew out of the blocks and immediately went on the offensive. A goal appeared to be in the offing and "Jimmy" Hoffer duely obliged, the talented marksman bagging his 21st of the season. Of the 21 surely none were struck with such venom, as he picked the ball up just outside the box, by-passed a couple of static defenders and unleashed a thunderous effort into the net via the underside of the crossbar. "Jimmy" then nearly doubled the lead, his solo effort being turned away for a corner. The hosts managed a few efforts on goal but could not find a way past the impeccable Helge Payer in the Rapid goal. Chinchilla came closest in the 20th minute but the Green- White stopper accrobatically denied him.Steffen Hofmann saw a free kick turned away by Cavlina in the hosts´goal, while once more Helge Payer was on his toes to deny Vastic from a set piece in the 35th minute. The last chance of the half fell to Stefan Maierhofer who was unfortunate to see his delicate chip sail over the bar.The next period kicked off with Rapid once again dictating the pace and applying pressure to the home sides goal.  Chances came and went for "Jimmy" Hoffer and the lively Kavlak, our tricky winger an ever present threat to the home sides defence. It was the in form Hoffer, however, who laid on the second goal for Branko Boskovic. Hoffer squared a dangerous ball across the LASK goalmouth, with Boskovic arriving right on que to put the game beyond the reach of the hosts. Shortly afterwards a flowing Rapid move saw Steffen Hofmann bearing down one on one with the keeper, Cavlina stayed big though and pulled off an excellent save to keep the floodgates shut. As the game wore on the home team wilted further, with only the woodwork denying Nikica Jelavic a much deserved goal, while Veli Kavlak could have increased the margin following good work from Georg Harding.A good result was somewhat overshadowed by the nasty injury suffered by Branko Boskovic. Rapid never had to get out of second gear to beat Linz and will surely face a stiffer challenge next week as table toppers Red Bull Salzburg visit Hütteldorf. In the mean time our thoughts rest with our injured midfielder, Get well soon, Branko!32th round:LASK Linz - SK Rapid 0:2 (0:1)Goals: 0:1 Hoffer (11.), 0:2 Boskovic (50.)Game StatsVideo (Note: You have to be registered first!)(gw)
31.08.2015