Before most spectators had found their seats, Rapid were up to their usual tricks. Something about opposition from the British Isles seems to make the Huetteldorfers fly out of the traps. Inside three minutes Nikica Jelavic seized onto a cute Steffen Hofmann pass and bore down on Artur Boruc in the Celtic goal. The Croation marksman fired a diagonal drive past the stranded keeper to send 2500 travelling fans into delirium.The Viennese quickly found their rhythm, settling comfortably into the tie,  finding their passing range and making the hosts chase the ball. The magnificent travelling support, filling fully 49 charter flights, made their mark on the terraces, pushing decibel levels to breaking point. The Rapid team playing their part in silencing the homes fans with their slick passing football.Just after the quarter hour mark a thrusting Rapid move saw Jelavic just fail to get on the end of a teasing ball from the right. Despite the linesman incorrectly flagging for offside, Pacult’s men were showing their intent. Celtic disappointingly levelled after rarely mustering any proper threat on Payer’s goal. A slack ball from Andy Dober left Soma in a 50 50 battle with Scott McDonald for the ball. The Celtic striker came out on top and in a near carbon copy of Jelavic’ opener beating Payer with an angled drive to give the hosts a somewhat undeserved equaliser.Buoyed by the goal Celtic drove Rapid back and camped out in the Rapid half. The match began to boil over, Rapid struggling to keep their cool. Patocka inexplicably chopped down a Celtic forward as the home side broke against the defence like a wave on a rock. Danny Fox spurned the resulting free kick but Celtic were enjoying a swing in momentum.Steffen Hofmann, so often the Rapid lynchpin, attempted to restore the visitors lead. His lashed half volley searing past the upright following Jelavic’ knock down. Aiden McGeady saw a deflected effort squirm past Payer’s near post as Celtic continued to turn the screw. Shortly before half time Jelavic earned Rapid some much needed rest bite as he was fouled with his back to goal on the edge of the box. Steffen Hofmann stepped up and his curling effort drew a fine save from a fully extended Artur Boruc.The second half began with worrying signs for Rapid. Helge Payer found himself at the mercy of Aiden McGeady after Celtic had carved open the Rapid backline mere seconds into the second period. The impeccable keeper turned his shot away before the ball was instantly returned goalwards. The ball appeared to be heading for the net until a fantastic last gasp intervention by man of the match Ragnvald Soma.Despite the Glasgow side enjoying the Lion’s share of the possession, Pacults men still looked threatening on the break and always tried to push forwards, refusing to allow the home side to overrun them. As the half wore on the Celtic pressure increased. Payer was called into action again to turn a long range effort away. Rapid scrambled a string of corners clear before Gary Caldwell stabbed wide with the goal gaping.On the hour mark Rapid’s best chance of the half fell to Branko Boskovic. The Serbian midfielder shot on his favoured left foot form 10 yards. He failed to get the connection he was looking for and his tame effort was easily snaffled by Payer. Soma and Patocka continued to perform heroics at the back as wave after wave of Celtic attack came up against a Green & White brick wall. In the dying minutes Jelavic had one more chance to snatch glory for Rapid. As the clock wore down an inswinging cross from the left found its way to Jelavic. The striker, celebrating his call up to the Croatian national team, steered his header agonisingly wide of the upright.As the referee blew the final whistle Rapid will reflect on this hard won point with a great deal of satisfaction. An away point in Glasgow represents a huge step towards the next round and Rapid will surely fancy their chances of collecting a maximum point haul from next opponents Tel Aviv.UEFA Europa League, Round 2:Celtic FC – SK Rapid 1:1 (1:1)Glasgow, Celtic Park, Referee Duarte PaixaoGoals: 0:1 Jelavic (4.), 1:1 McDonald (20.)SK Rapid: Payer – Dober, Patocka, Soma, Katzer – Heikkinen, Pehlivan – Kavlak, Hofmann, Boskovic (63. Drazan) – JelavicCeltic: Boruc - Wilson, McManus, Caldwell, Fox - McGeady (81./McGinn), Brown, Nguemo (81./Robson), Maloney (82./Killen) - McDonald, SamarasYellow Cards: Nguemo Pehlivan, Kavlak(gw)
31.08.2015