Rapid arrived at the Northbank Arena knowing that only the three points could really re-ignite their european campaign. Following the 3 - 0 home victory against HSV in the opening round of matches, an astonishing 8,000 green white supporters made the trip in the belief that the unlikely could happen. The Hütteldorfers were quick out of the blocks. A good move was brought to an abrupt halt by an incorrect linesmans flag in the second minute. In fact, the hosts didn´t manage a forray into green white territory until a 9th minute free kick brought them some form of forward momentum. It was a set piece that provided the first goal threat of the game. Jansen´s 22nd minute free kick shaving the top of the bar for the hosts. Rapid´s good start had faded a little and the Viennese were battling hard to maintain a grip. Pehlivan, Heikinnen and Katzer all went into the referee´s book in quick succession as Rapid fought harder and harder, displaying total commitment to the cause. The half ended with the Hamburgers on top, Rapid´s attacking effort subsiding as the Green & Whites got bogged down in the middle of the park. As the players emerged from half time they had clearly left their thinking caps in the locker room. A total lapse in concentration saw Milan Jovanovic play a weak ball back to Helge Payer. Marcell Jansen rushed onto to the ball and gratefully accepted the gift, lashing the ball past Payer to put the hosts one up. Pacult responded by introducing Salihi for Pehlivan. The newly introduced Rapid striker had barely got his studs dirty before he and Rapid found themselves two goals down. A low cross from the right found its way to Markus Berg. The in form Hamburg star swivelled on a 6 pence and sent the ball into the bottom corner of Payer´s net, leaving the Rapid Keeper motionless. Rapid now badly needed an immediate response. Lady luck deserted them however as Markus Heikinnen´s over head effort from Steffen Hofmann´s free kick came agonisingly close, hitting the outside of the angle before going to safety.The game played with a dissapointing air of inevitabilty, Hamburg showing their class and drawing more saves from Helge Payer as the Green Whites struggled to create attacking threat and clear cut chances. The final whistle blew and the curtain came down on a real rollercoaster Euro-Ride for Rapid. Once again the fans have done the club and themselves proud with yet another awesome display of support. Unfortunately the games are decided on the pitch and not on the stands and our side must now look to rally and salvage pride against Celtic Glasgow on the 17th of this month.UEFA Europa League Gruppe C: Hamburger SV - SK Rapid 2:0 (0:0) HSH Nordbank Arena, 48.000, Referee Nijhuis (NED) Goals: Jansen (47.), Berg (53.) HSV: Rost - Demel, Boateng, Mathijsen, Aogo (87./Betram) - Jarolim, Rincon - Trochowski, Tesche, Jansen (83./Tavares) - Berg (76./Petric) SK Rapid: Payer - Kulovits, Soma, Jovanovic, Katzer - Heikkinen (66./Dober), Pehlivan (52./Salihi) - Kavlak, Hofmann (79./Thonhofer), Boskovic - JelavicYellow Cards: Jarolim Pehlivan, Heikkinen, Katzer, Soma, Kulovits, Boskovic, Thonhofer (gw)
31.08.2015