Last august Rapid re-wrote the football history books. The Hütteldorfers became the first Austrian side to eliminate English opposition in competitive European football. „Only Rapid were faster than Bolt“ read the headline in the daily paper „Kurier“, following the Green White´s 1-0 home victory last summer. Nikica Jelavic headed Rapid to victory, getting on the end of a Drazan cross after only 16 seconds. The celebrations that accompanied the goal were almost beyond description. The aforementioned Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt collected his 200 meter gold medal with a time of 19.19 seconds, but even Mr. Bolt was beaten into second place by Jelavic. It was the quickest strike of the entire Europa League tournament. „The most beautiful defeat in history“In the return leg in Birmingham our side, and as it turned out, Nikica Jelavic, had to wait a little longer for a goal. With a little under 15 minutes to play, our number 16 stabbed home the all important away goal to send to the 2000 travelling fans into a state of delirium. Even before the goal was scored, the travelling Rapid masses had left their mark on Birmingham with their incredible display of support. Shortly after the draw paired both sides together once more, the Villa internet forums were buzzing in anticipation of the rematch. Topics ranged from revenge to simply looking forward to sampling the Hanappi atmosphere one more time. After masterminding Rapid's entry into the Austrian footballing halls of fame, manager Peter Pacult labelled the 2-1 Birmingham reverse as „the most beautiful defeat in Rapids history“. The „Kurier“ newspaper were of a similar opinion calling the evening „the most beautiful defeat for Rapid“.(gw)