Rapid lined up for the second time in two Bundesliga outings in a 4-5-1 formation. Styrian opponents Sturm looked set to provide another stern test of Rapid’s title credentials following last weeks pulsating 3-3 draw in the UPC Arena in Graz. Both sets of fans were creating an explosive atmosphere and were buoyed by LASK’s victory away to RB Salzburg earlier in the day.The first effort on goal arrived in the 5th minute: Sturm midfielder Hölzl walked onto to a loose ball on the edge of the Rapid area and tested Hedl. The Rapid keeper was up to the challenge, pawing away the low effort to safety. Sturm snatch the initiative Rapid showed goal threat of their own in the 13th minute as a Trimmel shot was lashed across the goalmouth from a tight angle. The winger had collected a deep cross from Christopher Drazan. The first quarter had proved a lively opening to the game with both sides prepared to get forward and commit men into the final third. The games early promise produced the breakthrough it had threatened in the 24th minute, but it was Sturm that snatched the lead. Imre Szabics played a quality cute pass between the Rapid back line to put Kienast in on Hedl. The big Sturm striker squeezed the ball in from close range to draw a rapturous response from the travelling masses from Styria. More bad news was to follow for the Green-Whites as Pacult was forced into a change, introducing Patocka for the injured Mario Sonnleitner. Andreas Hölzl latched onto a wayward header from new boy Patocka and tested Hedl from 25 yards, the Rapid keeper doing well to claw the effort behind for a corner. The Hütteldorfers needed to find some answers to a Graz side growing in confidence.Double the mountain to climbThings got worse for Rapid in the 40th minute as Szabics made it 0:2 to the visitors. A lofted ball from Kienast got him in behind a very high back four and the Sturm man made no mistake, lobbing the stranded Hedl who didn’t know whether to stick or twist. A goal of this nature had been on the cards and the warning signs there. Rapid would now have to show all their grit and determination to pull the game out of the fire in the second half. Second halfThe teams emerged for the second half with the Rapid eleven showing a major change to the line up, injured captain Steffen Hofmann was replaced by Atdhe Nuhiu with the tactics shifting to a more conventional 4-4-2. Nuhiu’s first involvement was in the shape of a driving run that took him to the by line, his low cross cut out for a corner. It was a good first involvement for the big striker, his side would be needing plenty more of that in order to salvage the afternoon. Another good Nuhiu run just minute’s later lead to a free kick on the edge of the Sturm box. Drazan's lofted set piece was met by Patocka who guided his header over the bar. Trimmel was the next to threaten, driving into the box down the right flank in the 55th minute. His scuffed shot was kept out by keeper Cavlina, but at last Pacult’s side were building up a head of steam and forcing the visitors back. Drazan closeThe next goal threat came from the visitors: Andreas Hölzl’s sharp header was fast and goal bound but Hedl did well to keep it out and simultaneously keep his side in the contest. Graz were looking increasingly comfortable, and with only 25 minutes left on the clock it was going to take a moment of magic from someone to drag the Green-Whites back into contention. Christopher Drazan did his best to reduce arrears, his powerful 68th minute volley flying just wide of the far post. The effort represented Rapid’s best for some time as they grew increasingly frustrated against the stubborn visitors. Pacult made something resembling the last throw of the dice with 15 minutes to play, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink coming on for Markus Katzer in an effort to spark the Rapid forward line into life. There was little on display in the final third from Rapid, a few half chances and scuffed shots the sum total of the second half effort. Atdhe Nuhiu spurned an unlikely 82nd minute lifeline as he lifted the ball over from close range after the bounce had deceived the Sturm rearguard. Unable to find a replyAs the clock wound down a Rapid repost looked more and more unlikely. The last hope of a comeback went as Nuhiu put a presentable chance wide of the upright when well placed inside the penalty area. The final whistle brought to an end a disappointing afternoon for the Hütteldorfers who had struggled to get out of second gear. A title win now looks a long shot for the Green-Whites who must now regroup ahead of a tricky trip to Tyrol to face Wacker. 28th round: SK Rapid - Sturm Graz 0:2 (0:2)Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, 17.500, Referee Einwaller Goals: 0:1 (23.) Kienast, 0:2 (40.) Szabics SK Rapid: Hedl - Kayhan, Sonnleitner (29. Patocka), Soma, Katzer (77. Vennegoor of Hesselink) - Heikkinen, Prokopic - Hofmann (46. Nuhiu), Trimmel, Drazan - Salihi Sturm Graz: Cavlina - Standfest, Schildenfeld, Burgstaller, Pürcher - Hölzl, Weber, Mevoungou, Klem - Szabics, Kienast (87. Ehrenreich) Yellow Cards: Heikkinen, Kayhan(gw)
18.04.2011