Rapid 1:1 Altach: Schösswendter rescues a point at the death

In the run up to Saturday's home clash with SCR Altach, Trainer Mike Büskens had warned his charges to expect a tough game against what many consider to be this season's surprise package. And so it proved, as the 22,000 Rapid fans who filled the stands of the Allianz Stadium would attest to. Rapid attempted to set the tone of the game, but Altach were happy to soak up pressure for long periods before launching counter attacks, at which they proved very adept. Indeed, it was the guests that went ahead, and it was testament to the Green & Whites' desire and drive that they managed to salvage a point right at the death. But, as always, we begin at the start.

Having had the international break to dwell on the disappointing defeat suffered in Ried a fortnight ago, and with tough forthcoming fixtures in the shape of a European encounter with Sassuolo and the next Vienna derby, the match against Altach represented an opportunity for Rapid not only to pick up an important three points, but also to play themselves back into form and confidence. This desire was evident in the opening stages, as the Hütteldorfers got on top of their opponents and registered the effort on goal via a decent long range shot from Stefan Schwab that just went the wrong side of the upright (6.). Rapid looked to ramp up the pressure, and a flowing move involving Schaub, Schrammel and lastly Joelinton saw the Brazilian send a volley wide of the target (10.). A delightful slid-rule pass from Thomas Murg then opened up a shooting opportunity for Louis Schaub, but he had made his run too soon and was flagged offside (22.). When Joelinton headed over from a Pavelic corner just shy of the half mark there was little to suggest that just minutes later Richard Strebinger would be fishing the ball out of his own net. But that is exactly what transpired.  

A catastrophic error in the Rapid penalty area presented a chance on a plate to Altach's Ngamaleu, who, to his credit, took the chance well as he rounded Strebinger to tap into an empty net - 0:1 and Rapid the architects of their own problems (29.). Thomas Murg looked to drag his side level almost immediately with a decent free-kick (32.), but the momentum was with the visitors from Vorarlberg, who continued to carry plenty of menace on their forward forays. On the stroke of half time Altach's potency was again on show, as Oberlin cut through a porous Rapid defence, made room for himself in the penalty, but snatched at his shot and didn’t get the power necessary to beat Strebinger, who saved to keep his side just one adrift going into the break (44.).

At the start of the second half the guests were again causing untold problems for the Green & White back line, whilst for their part Rapid were struggling to cut off the supply lines to the Altach forwards. It was again Oberlin who threatened, once more cutting through a static Green & White rearguard before making his way to the edge of the six-yard box where he fired over the crossbar despite looking odds-on to extend his side's lead (47.). With the team clearly needing some help from the terraces the Block West responded - "Keep going forwards Rapid" was the cry, and it was heeded by the players on the pitch. Joelinton again got on the end of a Mario Pavelic delivery, but unfortunately he was once more off target with his effort (54.). A little over five minutes later the Brazilian thought he had levelled matters, when he spun and shot, only to be denied by an excellent stop from Altach keeper Lukse, who gathered in the ball at the second attempt (61.). The ex-Rapid goalie then again excelled himself, as he was on his toes to keep out a free kick from Stefan Schwab (68.).  

With Rapid starting to turn the screw it looked as if a moment of indiscretion might cost them a possible point: referee Jäger dismissed Srdjan Grahovac for what appeared to be directing insults towards an opposing player (74.). Recalling the Hütteldorfer spirit of old though, the remaining ten men refused to buckle, and instead kept hunting an equalizing goal. Finally, with just minutes left on the clock, their efforts were rewarded when Christoph Schösswendter rose highest in a crowded box to get on the end of a cross and bury a header into the back of net - 1:1 and last gasp salvation for Mike Büskens and his Rapid side! We are next in action again on Thursday night when we welcome Italians US Sassuolo to the Allianz Stadium as the eyes of the continent again turn to the UEFA Europa League.

(gw)