New pair Thomas Hinum and Christoph Saurer took their place in the starting line up for the first time, Markus Katzer came in for Kayhan, while Gartler and Jelavic resumed their partnership up front, Gartler providing thrust from wide positions. It was the front men who had the best chances of an enterprising first half for the green whites, Jelavic on 4 minutes and Gartler twenty minutes later. Both players had excellent openings, but home keeper Ilchev emerged victorious on both occasions. The 350 intrepid Rapid fans had to wait until the stroke of half time to celebrate the opening goal of the evening. A senseless handball by Stankov handed Captain Steffen Hofmann the chance to score from the spot. Hofmann displayed his characteristic cool to dispatch the ball into the corner with authority, giving Ilchev no chance. It was the final action of a half that ran smoothly to Pacult's plan, only Yordanov's 9th minute effort proved to be a moment of danger for Raimund Hedl. Pacult introduced Trimmel for Saurer on the hour mark. Just a minute later, the hosts, who were struggling to muster a meaningful threat to this point, had their best chance. A good Dimitrov effort was kept out by an excellent reflex save by Hedl. Salihi came into the game on 60 minutes, taking over Gartler's flanking responsibilties. The change bore fruit as with the Albanian came more impetus in the Green Whites attacking play. The hosts threatend with a quarter of an hour left though, and Rapid were grateful to see Zlatinov's drive rebound off the woodwork. The home crowd of 5000 had endured a 24 year wait to celebrate European football, by the celebrations began in earnest on 85 minutes as Zlatinov, not to be denied a second time, steered home a corner from close range to level the tie. The hosts then spurned a golden opportunity in added time to snatch an unlikely win and had to settle for a draw.It was a good nights work for the Hütteldorfers who must now be very confident of seeing the job through in the Hanappi next Tuesday. PFC Beroe Stara Zagora - SK Rapid 1:1 (0:1)Sofia, Georgi Asparuhov Stadion, 5.000, SR Siejewicz (POL)Tore: Slatinow (85.) Hofmann (45.+1/Penalty)Stara Sagora: Iltschew - Iliew, Batschew, Kowatschew, Penew - Dimitrow (78./Mladenow), Kostadinow (70./Slatinow), Welew, Stankow (57./Hristow) - Schekow - JordanowSK Rapid: Hedl - Dober, Sonnleitner, Patocka, Katzer - Hofmann, Heikkinen, Hinum (93./Kulovits), Saurer (58./Trimmel) - Jelavic, Gartler (65./Salihi)(gw)
31.08.2015