Rapid lined up in their familiar 4-4-2 formation. Pacult restored Salihi to the line up to partner Jelavic, the Albanian hitman had been sacrificed in last weeks 4-1-4-1 formation away to Salzburg. Branko Boskovic received the Hanappi plaudits before kick off. The midfield man had made his 100th appearance in Green White the previous week against the Red Bulls.The penaltimate Hanappi fixture of the season was a sun drenched affair, the warmer climes the city has enjoyed still very much in evidence at kick off. Any thoughts that lowley visitors Kapfenberg may already have their summer holidays on their minds were quickly dispelled however, as Alar broke free to test Hedl in the very first minute. The Rapid custodian proved up to the challenge, standing tall to deny the visitors a very presentable opportunity. Rapid hit back: Salihi was denied after latching onto a Boskovic ball minutes before Wolf saved a backpost Soma header from a Hofmann freekick. On nine minutes Captain Steffen Hofmann's left foot drive angled wide of the upright as Rapid sought an opening.Following the hectic start, the Green-Whites settled into an excellent, comfortable passing rythmn, enjoying the lion's share of possesion. The visitors did their best to hang onto Rapid's coat tails, committing the first seven fouls of the game along the way.The Steiermark' sides lack of discipline eventually lead to Rapid taking the lead. Hofmann and Boskovic exchanged a quick one two following a free kick on the edge of the box, Jelavic rose virtually unchallenged to meet the expert centre and had no problems dispatching the header into the net handing Rapid the lead. The Boskovic - Hofmann midfield combo was dominating proceedings in the middle of the park and it was no suprise the influential pair had a hand in the goal. Salihi and Hofmann opportunities came and went before a Boskovic long range effort drew an excellent save from Kapfenberg keeper Wolf.The constant pressure told in the 41st minute as Boskovic doubled the Rapid lead. Steffen Hofmann cut back a clever free kick along the floor in the penalty area, behind the main body of players to the lurking Boskovic. The midfielder's calm side foot effort beat the keeper low at his left hand post. Hofmann had a chance to bag a third before half time, his shot lacked direction though and was gathered comfortably by Wolf. There was time for one last chance in the half and suprisingly it fell to the visitors. Kapfenberg made progress down the left flank and manufactured a great chance for Felfernig. The midfielder made no mistake and drilled a low shot past Hedl to bring his side back into the game right on the stroke of half time.Shortly after the restart, the intrepid visitors levelled proceedings when Alar fended of the attentions of Hannes Eder to fire home and send the small band of away supporters into dreamland. Normal service resumed on 57 minutes as Jelavic swooped to nodd his second of the afternoon after more debatable marking in the Kapfenberg box following a Hofmann cross. It was proving to be another masterclass from Rapid's mercurial skipper, the diminutive playmaker with a hand in all three goals. With a third of the game remaining Pacult replaced Salihi with Gartler and the newly introduced forward passed up an excellent opportunity not long after being introduced, the young forward missing the target with the goal at his mercy.Only two minutes later Hedl was picking the ball out of the net for the third time. An Alar snap shot caught Rapid cold and again restored parity for the visitors in what was turning into an absolute thriller. Pacult reacted but putting on the talented Drazan for Kavlak. Seconds after the personel change a long range rocket from Dober was inches away from restoring Rapids advantage.Pacult threw on Trimmel for Dober as his side mounted a final assualt. Kapfenberg were still cligning on at the 90 minute mark and anxious glances from the bench could do nothing as the assistant signalled five minutes injury time, taking into account the not insignificant efforts of the visitors to disrept and slow the progress of the game. Finally in added time the Kapfenberg defence wilted as Boskovic struck, his shot carrying just enough power to sneak across the line. Rapid confirmed the three points in delightful fashion as a sparkling Hofmann effort made it 5 - 3. With the Kapfenberg defence now at 6's & 7's, Hofmann powered through the backline and with a drop of the shoulder sold Wolf a dummy and rounded the sprawling keeper to tap into an empty net. It was a sensational goal and a perfect way to round off a rip roaring encounter.Both teams played their part to make this a contest that will live long in the memory, Kapfenberg belied their league placing but came up short against a Rapid side prepared to fight to the end. The Hütteldorfers can now approach the final weeks in a positive frame of mind ahead of the mid week trip across town to Favoriten for the Vienna derby.33rd round:SK Rapid - Kapfenberg 5:3 (2:1)Hanappi-Stadion, 15.200, Referee KrassnitzerGoals: 1:0 Jelavic (20.), 2:0 Boskovic (41.), 2:1 Felfernig (45.), 2:2 Alar (51.), 3:2 Jelavic (57.), 3:3 Alar (67.), 4:3 Boskovic (92.), 5:3 Hofmann (95.)SK Rapid: Hedl - Dober (87. Trimmel), H. Eder, Soma, Thonhofer - Hofmann, Heikkinen, Boskovic, Kavlak (74. Drazan) - Jelavic, Salihi (65. Gartler)Kapfenberg: R. Wolf - Gansterer, Rauscher, Fukal, Schellander - Grgic (59. Tieber), Siegl, Sencar, Felfernig - Alar (88. M. Gregoritsch), Pavlov (73. Pitter)Yellow Cards: Drazan Gansterer, Fukal, Rauscher (gw)
31.08.2015