Rapid lined up in Barisic' favoured 4-5-1 formation for the trip to Ried. Jürgen Patocka partnered Soma in the heart of the back four, while it would again be primarily down to Steffen Hofmann and Prokopic to provide support to the lone Hamdi Salihi up front. Whatever plans Zoran Barisic and Rapid had went out of the window in the 6th minute. A quick throw caught Rapid napping and allowed Stefan Lexa to cross from the edge of the area for Ivan Carril who finished from close range. Replays showed that the throw should in fact have been awarded to Rapid, rubbing some salt into already gaping wounds. Dominating PossesionThe Hütteldorfers managed to compose themselves following the early setback and enjoyed a huge proportion of the possesion. Unfortunately, as has been the case in recent weeks, they failed to turn possesion into chances: A week Tanju Kayhan effort from the edge of the area was as good as close as the Green-Whites came in the first half.2:0 To The HostsRapid’s job became doubly difficult with half an hour gone as a sweeping move saw the hosts go 2:0 in front. A Rapid move broke down inside Ried territory and the hosts broke forward through Riegler. Jürgen Patocka dived in on the Ried man high up the pitch, allowing him to slip the ball through to Stefan Lexa who carried it 20 yards before finishing with aplomb from the edge of the area. It could have been worse for the Barisic’ side going into the break, only a last ditch Soma challenge on Royer inches from the goal line kept the Hütteldorfers in touch. Hofmann InjuredSteffen Hofmann’s frustrating season continued as he was replaced at half time by Christoph Saurer. The Rapid captain had failed to completely recover from an injury sustained on Wednesday night against Mattersburg. Atdhe Nuhiu also joined the action in the 58th minute and suddenly Rapid began exerting some pressure on the Ried backline: Firslty, they had a strong penalty appeal for handball turned down, then Boris Prokopic went within inches of converting a Markus Katzer cross, but had to watch in horror as his header slammed off the post and rebounded to safety. Nuhiu Hits BackThe breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute: A deep Drazan cross was perfectly weighted for Nuhiu who made no mistake with a classy close range header to reignite Green-White interest in the proceedings. It was a fully deserved repost based on the second half turn around from Rapid. Katzer Last Gasp EffortIn the dying embers of the game, Rapid had one last chance to salvage a point: Markus Katzer managed to get off a goalbound shot in a crowded penalty area, but the ball was stopped on route by Markus Heikinnen. The fin attempted to steer the ball into the goal, but only succeeded in clearing the danger for Ried. It was to be Rapid’s final chance and with it went hopes of salvaging a point. The defeat has virtually garunteed that European football will not be on the agenda for the Hütteldorfers next season. They must now attempt to raise themselves as title chasing rivals Austria visit the Hanappi on the weekend. More bad news emerged from the defeat: Captain Steffen Hofmann has confirmed he will now miss the rest of the season through injury. 34th round:SV Ried - SK Rapid 2:1 (2:0)Keine-Sorgen-Arena, 6.200, Referee Rene Eisner.Goals: 1:0 Carril (6.), 2:0 Lexa (29.), 2:1 Nuhiu (74.)SV Ried: Gebauer - Reifeltshammer, Glasner, Riegler - Brenner (90./Ziegl), Hadzic (75./Mader), Prettenthaler - Lexa, Carril (59./Nacho), Royer - HammererSK Rapid: Payer - Kayhan, Patocka, Soma, Katzer - Heikkinen, Kulovits (84./Kuleski) - Prokopic, Hofmann (46./Saurer), Drazan - Salihi (58./Nuhiu)Yellow Cards: Royer Drazan, Kayhan, Katzer, Kulovits (gw)
17.05.2011