A snow covered Ernst Happel Stadium awaited both sets of players in the battle for 3rd place in the Europa League Group C. Sitting top of the Bundesliga, Rapid were aiming to sign off in 2009 with victory over their illustrious opponents from Glasgow. Rapid took to the pitch with a line up showing  changes to the normal starting 11 with Payer and Heikinnen out through injury. The changes didn´t seem to effect the team too much as Rapid blasted into a first minute lead. Steffen Hofmann fed the ball into Nikica Jelavic, the Croatia international swivelled onto his left foot on the edge of the area and fired a fierce low drive past Boruc in the Celtic goal via the inside of the upright to give Rapid the perfect start. Just a minute later neat interplay in midfield lead to Steffen Hofmann sliding in Hamdi Salihi, the skippers pass was unfortunately a tad over hit and the potential danger passed. With Rapid dominating proceedings it was no suprise when the Green Whites doubled their lead. A passing move in midfield involving Kavlak and Hofmann sent Hamdi Salihi away down the right side of the penalty area. His ball across the 6 yard box found man of the moment Nikica Jelavic lurking at the far post and the Rapid marksman made no mistake from close range. Something about the Europa League seems to agree with the bristling front man as he bagged his 9th of the campaign.In the 19th minute Jelavic went on the rampage down the left hand touchline. Completely outfoxing would be marker Loovens he turned him inside out twice beofre repaying a favour to Hamdi Salihi by rolling the ball across for the Rapid number 9 to open his account for the evening. It was a stunning opening 20 minutes for Rapid, leaving the shell shocked visitors wondering what hit them. Rapid ripped the beleagured Scots wide open again in the 23rd minute, it was jelavic again this time down the opposite flank, his cross this time met by Nguemo who nearly turned the ball into his own net.In an incredible match Celtic pulled one back with their first meaningful attack of the match. A lofted ball into the Rapid box dropped to Fortune who drilled into the roof of the net from 10 yards. Raimund Hedl, in for the injured Payer, was kept on his toes in the 25th minute, diving low to keep out an effort from lively Celtic winger McGinn as the Scots looked to force their way back into the match.Pacult made an unexpected swap in the 30th minute. Following a difficult opening to the game Dober was replaced by youngster Trimmel with the ever reliable Kulovits switching to right back and Stefan Hofmann moving into middle of the park.Veli Kavlak did his best to restore Rapid´s three goal advantage in the 39th minute. The wideman seized on a misplaced pass and drove forward before unleashing a powerful drive. Boruc managed to scramble the ball away for a corner. On the stroke of halftime it was a case of anything you can do, I can do better as Hedl tipped a rasping effort from McGinn over the bar. It was a great stop from the Rapid custodian.The referee brought to an end an excellent half of football for Rapid fans and neutrals alike. The travellers from Scotland may not have enjoyed it quite as much but both sides had played their part in a rousing 45 mins of end to end football.The beginning of the second half saw the impressive Hedl called into action again. Sloppy play on the edge of the Rapid box saw Celtic take possesion and an opportunity fall to McGinn. His close range drive was not precise enough to beat the in form keeper.  Rapid responded in the 52nd minute as Salihi  nearly stole in before Boruc got his finger tips to the ball to keep Rapid at bay.The first ten minutes of the second half were a generally sloppy and disjointed affair, with both sides looking to capitalise on mistakes as the free flowing football of the first half took a backseat. Peter Pacult responded to the lack of momentum in the 59th minute as he introduced Drazan for Kavlak. The change nearly paid instant dividends as only a minute later Drazan broke down the left, Jelavic just failing to get on the end of his swinging cross.Rapid produced a sweeping move from front to back in the 66th minute. A Ragnvald Soma challenge slammed the door shut on a Celtic attack and Rapid seized possesion. Trimmel raced down the right wing, his cross net by Salihi who couldn´t keep his header down. Celtic came firmly back inot the match in the 67th minute. A short free kick caught Rapid napping as McGinn got to the byline. His precise cut back found Fortune who halved the deficit from short range with his second of the night.Nikica Jelavic spurned a hattrick chance in the 75th minute as baring down on goal he just failed to control Drazan´s lofted pass. It was a good show of intent from the Hütteldorfers following an indifferent 20 minute spell. It was a memorable moment in the 79th minute for Muhammed Ildiz. Following impressive displays in the second team the young box to box midfield man took to the field for his debut in Green & White replacing Branko Boskovic.The match wore down towards ist conclusion with neither side looking like scoring, but on the stroke of the final whistle Paul McGowan picked up a loose ball and fired home to complete an unlikely Celtic fightback. Although the second half failed to hit the heights of the first it was a thoroughly deserved evening for Pacults side in a once more packed out Ernst Happel Stadium. Despite finishing in 4th place in Group C the Rapid support has earned its reputation amongst the European elite with consistently breathtaking backing. Rapid can now enjoy their winter break with a great deal of satisfaction and return refreshed when the season resarts and finish the job in the Bundesliga.SK Rapid - Celtic Glasgow 3:3 (3:1)Ernst-Happel-Stadion, 48.000, Referee Robert Malek/POL Goals: 1:0 (1.) Jelavic, 2:0 ( 8.) Jelavic, 3:0 (19.) Salihi, 3:1 (24.) Fortune, 3:2 (67.) Fortune, 3:3 (91.) McGowanSK Rapid: Hedl - Dober (30. Trimmel), Soma, Patocka, Katzer - Hofmann, Kulovits, Boskovic, Kavlak (59. Drazan) - Jelavic, Salihi (78. Ildiz)Celtic: Boruc - Caddis, Loovens, McManus, Wilson - Flood, Nguemo, Crosas, McGinn (78. Carey) - Fortune (90. Killen), McGowan (gw)
31.08.2015