In the game labelled by Kronen Zeitung as the "Decision Night" Pacult shifted his tactics to a 4-5-1 with Nikica Jelavic leading the line. Rapid showed the necessary desire and got straight onto the front foot, setting up camp in the Salzburg half. It was the potent hosts, however, through a Mark Janko header and a Tchoyi shot who enjoyed the first sights of goal. Rapid threatened the hosts' goal for the first time on 12 minutes. Jelavic went down under a very heavy challenge from Opdam, the referee however signalled for a corner in what was at best an extremely debatable decision. It was the first sign of panic in the hosts' reargaurd. Rapid continued to apply the pressure and were nearly rewarded as a Drazan effort struck the woodwork in the 18th minute, shortly before Jelavic got on the end of a Kavlak cross. His header sneaking just wide of the upright. Raimund Hedl was called into action in the Rapid goal in the 21st minute as he repelled a Tchoyi effort. It was an open and exciting start from both teams. On 26 minutes Kavlak attempted a fruitless long range effort when a pass to the well placed Christopher Drazan may well have been the better option. The bumper 26.800 crowd were receiving full value for their money as the game continued to swing from end to end. Kavlak fired against stand in keeper Arzberger from close range in the 33rd minute. It seemed a matter of time until the Rapid breakthrough would materialise, the Green-Whites putting the Bulls under intense pressure. The hosts weren't without their chances however and Svento nearly underlined the fact that football is a game of fine margins, as his 37th minute strike was cut out by a desperate Thonhofer lunge. Despite the chances at either end, a breathless opening 45 minutes was brought to a close with the scoreline at 0:0. The teams re-emerged from half time showing no changes - not a suprise given the high class showing on offer in the first period. Following a strong second half start from the hosts Rapid sprung to life through a pefect Boskovic pass for Jelavic. The midfield man split the back line and Jelavic made strides towards the left hand side of the Salzburg penalty area. A perfectly weighted centre from the Croatian found on rushing skipper Hofmann, who slid in and from a couple of feet tapped into the empty net to give Rapid the lead in the 56th minute. It was the inspirational Hofmann's 17th goal of the season and sent 2000 travelling Rapid faithful into delerium. Shortly afterwards Pacult brought Pehlivan into the game for Kavlak, looking to add some steel in the middle and preserve the precious lead. The Rapid trainer also introduced Trimmel for the tiring Drazan. On 70 minutes Trimmel and Hofmann contrived to spurn a golden opportunity to double the lead, Trimmel's final pass lacking the necessary precision to play his captain in. A minute later Trimmel had the chance to atone but couldn't get the ball under control after finding himself bearing down on the Salzburg goal. Mark Janko fired narrowly over for the Red Bull's as they looked to regain their composure. After a slight lull in proceedings, Boskovic tried his luck shortly before the Rapid final quarter, his effort turned away for a corner. Rapid were soaking up Salzburg pressure and possesion now, launching dangerous counters in search of the all important second. With ten minutes to play Thonhofer played ringleader, whipping up the Rapid fans as the players sought the inspiration to cling on for the famous victory. However, only three minutes later the Rapid dream was in tatters as Afolabi rose highest in the penalty area to equalise for the hosts. It was a cruel blow for Rapid who had been good value for the lead and looked likely to blow the title race open again. The game ended 1:1 and extended Rapid's run to 10 unbeaten in the league, but was nearly so much more.Pride is now at stake as Rapid look to secure capital city bragging rights with a crunch trip to Favoriten for the Vienna derby looming large on the horizon.32nd round:RB Salzburg - SK Rapid 1:1 (0:0)Red-Bull-Arena, 26.800, Referee EinwallerGoals: 0:1 Hofmann (56.), 1:1 Afolabi (83.)Salzburg: Arzberger - Schwegler, Afolabi, Opdam, Ulmer - Schiemer - Tchoyi (86./Augustinussen), Cziommer (71./Wallner), Pokrivac, Svento (78./Vladavic) - JankoSK Rapid: Hedl - Dober, Eder, Soma, Thonhofer - Kavlak (60./Pehlivan), Heikkinen, Hofmann (84./Patocka), Boskovic, Drazan (67./Trimmel) - JelavicYellow Cards: Schwegler, Janko bzw. Thonhofer, Heikkinen, Eder, Dober (gw)
31.08.2015