The crowd was already building up a good half an hour before kick off in anticipation of this Europa League group match against Bulgarian record holders CSKA Sofia, with the atmosphere cooking nicely. Following the excellent victory in Sofia last time out, hopes were high of a repeat performance. A sea of flags greeted the sides in what was a seriously impressive sight yet again from the awesome Rapid fans.For the first time in a european encounter this season, Peter Pacult opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Nuhiu partnering Salihi in attack. Fired up by the crowd, Rapid flew out of the blocks, Veli Kavlak hitting the crossbar in the first minute after receiving the ball from a short corner. Further shots from Pehlivan and Salihi rained down on the visitors, as the Hütteldorfers sought to turn early domination into goals.Sofia made it 1-1 in terms of striking the woodwork in the 17th minute as a long rang effort from Tonev crashed against the bar and then thankfully away to safety. Sofia keeper M'Bolhi was being made to earn his wages by Rapid, this time tested by a crisp Drazan strike in the 21st minute. The goalmouth action began to dry up though as the half progressed, with Hedl called into action as a sweeper to deny Marquinhos in the only real action of note in the first half closing stages.Michel fired of an early statement of intent from CSKA, driving a shot into the side netting just two minutes after the restart. On 51 minutes the deadlock was broken - and it was the travelling supporters from Bulgaria celebrating. Yanchev received the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a cracking drive that arrowed into the corner giving Hedl little chance. A penalty award five minutes later handed Rapid a lifeline. There appeared to be a lot of pulling and pushing going on in the box from a Rapid free kick, Welsh referee Evans had no hesitation in awarding the Green Whites a spot kick. Hamdi Salihi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way. With news coming in from Porto that the home side were leading Besiktas, everything looked in place for Rapid to go forward and storm back into the qualification picture. Disaster struck though in the 64th minute, a misjudgedment from Sonnleitner let in striker Marquinhos. The Sofia man got to the bouncing ball before Hedl, chipped the Rapid keeper before running round him to scuff home a shot that agonisingly just evaded Sonnleitner who had got back to try and repair the damage. It was a soft goal and a crushing blow to Rapid's hopes in Group L.Peter Pacult responded by sending on Gartler and Trimmel in place of Nuhiu and Katzer as the time came to really force the issue. Despite the best efforts of the team, the going was heavy through the middle of the pitch, with the Viennese struggling to play through their well organised opponents. There was a lack of quality on the subsequent balls into the box too, and a final chance failed to materialise as the european dream was all but extinguished.A promising opening proved misleading as the green whites succumbed to a disappointing defeat. Peter Pacult will have to rally his troops now, as Styrians Sturm Graz represent this weeks visitors to the Hanappi in what could be a crucial game as Rapid look to climb the Bundesliga table.UEFA Europe League, Group L:SK Rapid - CSKA Sofia 1:2 (0:0)Happel-Stadion, Referee Evans (WAL)Goals: Salihi (56./Penalty) Jantschew (50.), Marquinhos (64.)SK Rapid: Hedl - Kayhan, Sonnleitner, Soma, Katzer (68./Trimmel) - Kavlak, Heikkinen, Pehlivan (82./Dober), Drazan - Nuhiu (68./Gartler), SalihiSofia: M’Bolhi - Minew, Stojanow, Aquaro, Trifonow (88./Grillo) - Galtschew, Marquinhos, Jantschew - Tonew (93./Janew), Michel, Nelson (82./Delew)Yellow Cards: Drazan, Pehlivan Nelson, Jantschew, Aquaro, Marquinos, Stojanow, Galtschew(gw)
31.08.2015