An away trip to face Sturm is a notoriously difficult propostion. Despite Rapid approaching the game full of confidence from the derby victory last time out, this was never going to be a roll over and die job from the hosts. The game proved to be every bit as tough as initially predicted. In preparation, Pacult shifted his formation to a 451 with Nikica Jelavic asked to spear head the attacks by himself at the top end of the park.The first half saw the sides cancel each other out with limited momentum swinging between them. Graz came out of the blocks marginally quicker before Rapid began to enjoy the greater share of possesion. Promising situations failed to result in clear opportunities due to a combination of good defending, the lack of a killer pass and slightly over exuberrant officiating. Nikica Jelavic did however pass up a golden opportunity to put his side one up. Captain Steffen Hofmann lead a probing Rapid move down the left hand side of the Graz box, his deft centre was perfect and found an unmarked Jelavic in a central postion 18 yards from goal. Unfortunately his tame effort was straight at the on rushing Gratzei in the home sides goal and the danger passed.The second period began much in the same way the first had ended both teams struggling to take control and most of the action occouring around the middle of the field. With half an hour remaining the sides mustered more attacking threat. Firstly a Dober free kick arrowed just over before a shot from the newly introduced Drazan lacked sufficient power to capatilise on a promising move. The home side reacted and put Hedl's goal under a period of extended pressure. This pressure finally told as an unfortunate Boskovic was adjudged to have handled in the area. Lavric gave Hedl no chance from the resulting spot kick to break the deadlock and give the hosts a slender lead. The same player headed a great opportunity just over the bar, not before Ragnvald Soma was forced to clear an earlier effort of the line. Rapid were hanging on as Sturm went on the hunt for a killer second. A slick 83rd minute move from the men in Green & White resulted in the leveller. Substitute Drazan burst down the left flank and delivered yet another expert cross into the centre. Nikica Jelavic rose to power the precise ball into the back of the net and seal a share of the spoils for Rapid. It was no more than Pacult's side deserved and on the balance of play both teams must have been satisfied to settle for a point.A good away point draws to a close a difficult run of fixtures. The visit of Mattersburg on Tuesday night represents a run of games Rapid will be looking to achieve a decent points haul from as they look to reel in leaders Salzburg as the race for the Bundesliga heats up.SK Sturm - SK Rapid 1:1 (0:0)UPC-Arena, 15.300, Ref Einwaller Goals: 1:0 (67.) Lavric (Penalty), 1:1 (83.) Jelavic SK Sturm: Gratzei - Ehrenreich, Schildenfeld, Sonnleitner, Prawda - Hölzl, Hlinka, M. Weber, Jantscher - Beichler (46. Muratovic), Lavric (91. Kienast) SK Rapid: Hedl - Dober, H. Eder, Soma, Katzer - Hofmann, Heikkinen, Boskovic (69. Gartler), Pehlivan (80. Salihi), Kavlak (58. Drazan) - Jelavic Yellow Cards: Beichler, M. Weber Jelavic, Kavlak, Eder, Pehlivan (gw)
31.08.2015