The match against Kapfenberg came just three days after the Ried defeat, and without suspended duo Steffen Hofmann and Boris Prokopic, it was a much changed line up that took to the field for Rapid: In came Patocka, Heikinnen, Schimpelsberger, Hinum and Nuhiu as Zoran Barisic looked to freshen things up ahead of the hectic closing schedule. Kulovits fires Rapid aheadThe Hütteldorfers got off to a positive start and their efforts were rewarded early on as Kulovits finished off a good move having been set up by Atdhe Nuhiu in the 10th minute. It was just the shot in the arm Rapid needed in their quest for three precious points. The goal seemed to throw the hosts, who struggled to create forward momentum. By contrast, Rapid were looking good value for their lead and lively in the attacking third of the pitch. As the half wore on both sides started to lose possession through a stream of unforced errors. Chances were few and far between and Kulovits’ strike still separated the sides as they went into the half time interval. Second halfJust two minutes into the restart Saurer presented Nuhiu with a chance to double the advantage. Unfortunately for Rapid, the big man was unable to capitalise on the situation. Having survived the danger, Kapfenberg began to grow into the game and on the hour mark Barisic introduced Trimmel into the proceedings in place of Hinum, an effort to halt the home sides growing momentum. Red card & penaltyIn the 70th minute Barisic made his second change of the afternoon: Veli Kavlak made his long awaited comeback when he replaced Christopher Drazan on the left flank. The change didn’t bring the desired effect though, and following a Soma mistake goal hero Kulovits turned into the villain as he hauled down Sencar in the box from behind. Kulovits saw red and Mavric compounded his misery by putting away the resulting penalty to level the match. Kapfenberg tried to put their man advantage to use in the closing stages and had chances to win the game. Fortunately this time for Rapid, they failed to make them count and the Hütteldorfers could at least take a point, albeit a disappointing one, back to Vienna. 32nd round:Kapfenberg - SK Rapid 1:1 (0:1)Franz-Fekete-Stadion, 4.560, Referee BruggerGoals: 0:1 Kulovits (10.), 1:1 Mavric (80./Penalty)Kapfenberg: R. Wolf - Taboga, Schönberger, Mavric, Welnicki - Fukal - Hüttenbrenner (72./M. Gregoritsch), Sencar, Spirk (62./Erkinger), Felfernig - Elsneg (92./Stadler)SK Rapid: Payer - Schimpelsberger, Soma, Patocka, Katzer - Heikkinen, Kulovits - Hinum (61./Trimmel), Saurer (81./Pehlivan), Drazan (70./Kavlak) - NuhiuRed Card: Kulovits (88.)Yellow Cards: Hüttenbrenner, Sencar, Gregoritsch Patocka (gw)
13.05.2011