The Europa League clash between the Austrian and Bulgarian record holders had all the ingrediants to be a tense and exciting affair. Rapid went into the game under pressure, with 3 points a must in order to keep qualification hopes alive. The Bulgarians also went into the match under pressure following a below par opening to their season. After the first 15 minutes the signs were good for the Green Whites, they began to dominate proceedings both on the pitch and in the stands through the loyal travelling masses from Vienna. Despite the lack of clear cut chances, Rapid were dominating the possesion and dictating the pace of the game, with Christoph Saurer and Veli Kavlak looking particularly lively for the Viennese. The first chance went the way of the hosts though, as Nelson fired wide of the target on nine minutes. Sheridan then got the better of Soma in a sprinting match but Hedl repelled his weak shot with a minium of fuss. Just as the home crowd began to believe their side could conjure a breakthrough, it was Rapid that snatched the lead, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink instinctively buried a Veli Kavalk corner from close range on the half hour mark. Just minutes later neat interplay between Katzer and Saurer set up captain Steffen Hofmann with a great chance. Despite being surrounded by players in a crowded CSKA penalty area, Hofmann took his time by throwing a dummy, steadied himself, then stroked the ball home with ease to hand Pacult's side a deserved 2:0 half time advantage. The second half saw the type of solid defensive display sought by all teams with a two goal cushion. Content with their lead, Rapid sat back and challenged the hosts to come forwards and break them down. The Hütteldorfers soaked up whatever pressure their opponents could muster before launching a few promising counter attacks, which unfortunately failed to yield the killer third goal. The hosts failed to apply any consistant pressure on the Rapd goal, a deflected Vidanov cross came back of the bar and that was as good as got for the hosts, as Rapid showed the sort of organisation and steel lacking in recent weeeks. The Green Whites comfortably saw out the second forty five minutes to claim the crucial three points that serve to reignite Viennese interest in this seasons Europa League. It was an important confidence boost for the Hütteldorfers and a milestone victory that represents their first ever away win in this competition in it's current format. UEFA Europa League, Group L:CSKA Sofia - SK Rapid 0:2 (0:2)Wassil-Lewski-Nationalstadion, 12.000, Ref Trattou (CYP)Goals: Vennegoor of Hesselink (28.), Hofmann (32.)Sofia: M’ Bolhi - Minew (46./Tiboni), Widanow, Aquaro, Stojanow(72./Detschew) - Nelson (57./Tonew), Jantschew, Marquinhos, Trifonow, Delew - SheridanSK Rapid: Hedl - Kayhan, Sonnleitner, Soma, Katzer - Kavlak, Heikkinen, Hofmann (84./Trimmel), Pehlivan, Saurer (64./Drazan) - Vennegoor of Hesselink (77./Nuhiu)Yellow Cards: Tiboni (47.) Kavlak (14.), Heikkinen (40.)(gw)
31.08.2015