The up and down form of the title chasing duo in the past weeks had all lead to Sunday: Rapid vs. Salzburg and more than likely the Hütteldorfers final chance to haul themselves into pole position in the chase for the Bundesliga crown. Peter Schöttel's side played with the knowledge that their season more or less rested on the result, and showed fitting intensity in their efforts having fallen behind to try and claw their title chances back from the fire, but couldn't find a way past a physically imposing and soundly organized opponent. There was palpable tension around the Gerhard Hanappi from the first whistle. Both teams showed the grit and determination demanded on such occasions, both unwilling to give an inch and rising to the electric atmosphere these sort of encounters provide. The first chance went the way of the guests Sekagya went close but his effort from a 23rd minute corner just cleared the bar. Rapid responded immediately as Guido Burgstaller went frustratingly close with a drive that went just the wrong side of the far post. A hectic couple of minutes were rounded off when Lukas Königshofer pulled out a smart 26th minute save to keep out Leonardo's sharp effort. The emotion on display kept bubbling away during the first half full blooded 50 - 50's, players flying into tackles – all to the back drop of a cacophony of noise ringing round the sold out stadium. It certainly wasn't an occasion for those of weak disposition. The game remained deadlocked at half time, with neither side able to create the required clear cut opening. Unfortunately for Rapid that all changed within five minutes of the restart a pin point cross from Leonardo found its way perfectly onto ex Rapid man Maierhofer's head, who, predictably, made no mistake from close range to hand Salzburg the crucial advantage. It should have been a case of hero to villain for Maierhofer, but lady luck deserted the Hütteldorfers in the 55th minute as his clear handball in his own penalty area went unpunished. On the hour mark Rapid were again cursing their luck. This time it was Steffen Hofmann who was denied: his picture book strike from distance smashing off the crossbar and away to safety. Burgstaller was then denied by keeper Walke in the 64th minute before Deni Alar failed to convert from close range ten minutes later. The Green & Whites were creating all the running with the Red Bull goal leading somewhat of a charmed life. Incredibly Rapid were still trailing going into the closing stages. As the rain began to drive down Salzburg sat deeper and deeper, camping out in their own 18 yard box. Ricardo Moniz set his team up to get narrow and squeeze the space, making life more difficult for Rapid. The visitors almost doubled their lead following a couple of swift counters but found Königshofer in sublime form. The Viennese continued to try and assert more pressure on the Red Bull back line but the visitors held firm and no more chances were in the offing. Salzburg hung on to their one goal lead to open up a 6 point advantage over Rapid at the top of the league. It now looks as if the Bundesliga trophy will be heading, barring a calamitous run in, to Salzburg. Schöttel's side must now dust themselves down and beat off the challenge of Admira to ensure their own second place finish. tipp3-Bundesliga, 33. Runde: SK Rapid - RB Salzburg 0:1 (0:0)Hanappi-Stadion, 17.500, Referee Schörgenhofer Goal: Maierhofer (49.) SK Rapid: Königshofer - Schimpelsberger, Sonnleitner, Pichler (80./Thonhofer), Katzer - Heikkinen (72./Nuhiu), Kulovits - Drazan (59./Grozurek), Burgstaller, Hofmann, - Alar RB Salzburg: Walke - Schwegler, Sekagya, Schiemer, Ulmer – Mendes, Svento - Zarate, Leonardo (92./Hierländer), Jantscher (41./Leitgeb) - Maierhofer (82./Cristiano) Yellow Cards: Pichler, Drazan, Hofmann, Heikkinen, Kulovits Schiemer, Maierhofer, Leonardo (gw)