The reasons for the empty Stadium are already well known and made for a very strange atmosphere for the first Europa League group night of the season. The sterile atmosphere seemed to affect the players too from the stands you could hear every instruction, shout or call. At the end of the day however all that really mattered was the game, and in the first half Rapid found it hard to find any rhythm against the compact Norwegians. Searching for an extra gearJust as the Hütteldorfers appeared to be establishing a foothold in the game following shots from Ildiz and Trimmel, Rosenborg stole ahead: a quick counter by the Norwegians broke down, but the Rapid defence failed to clear their lines and following a misplaced pass Elyounoussi was presented with a golden opportunity which he gratefully accepted, lobbing the ball over the stranded Königshofer in the 18th minute. The goal was a blow for the Viennese, but gradually the side cleared their heads and managed to get back on the offensive: Katzer went close with a header before Boyd was unlucky to see his snap shot clear the bar. Still, to get back in the game Peter Schöttel's side would have to find an extra gear in the second half. Two goals adriftThe team emerged for the second half unchanged, but came at their opponents with more speed, belief and purpose. They pushed Rosenborg back deeper and deeper and looked to be on the verge of the equalizer be it from dangerous wing play or stinging long range drives from the likes of Ildiz in midfield. A goal did then arrive but unfortunately in the shape of a second for the guests. In the 59th minute Königshofer smartly turned a Dorsin shot round the post for a corner. From the resulting set piece it was full back Dorsin again who troubled Königshofer, this time rising to send an unchallenged header past the Rapid keeper's outstretched arm. The Green & Whites found themselves two goals adrift with half an hour to play. Renewed hope through KatzerJust as the game appeared to have slipped away, Rapid found their feet and began producing their best football of the match. A deflected Ildiz effort nearly crept in the 62nd minute, while keeper Örlund managed to turn away Steffen Hofmann's smart effort for a corner. Rapid did hit back though just minutes later when Markus Katzer found the back of the net with a 66th minute header. In the 70th minute it looked like Rapid would pull of the stunning turnaround: Deni Alar was upended in the penalty area and stood up to take the kick himself. To the young striker's horror, keeper Örlund guessed the right way and got a firm hand to the ball, preserving the Norwegians' lead. The Hütteldorfers kept trying to force the issue but could only really fashion half chances. Prica nearly ended the contest in the 87th minute but failed to round of a flowing Rosenborg counter attack. No more goals were in the offing for either side though, and Rapid were left to ponder what might have been.UEFA Europa League, Group K:SK Rapid - Rosenborg Trondheim 1:2 (0:1)Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Referee Todorow (BUL)Goals: Katzer (65.) bzw. Elyounoussi (18.), Dorsin (60.)SK Rapid: Königshofer - Trimmel, Gerson, Sonnleitner, Katzer - Heikkinen, Ildiz (70./Prager) - Alar, Hofmann, Burgstaller (85./Grozurek) - BoydRosenborg: Örlund - Dorsin, Rönning, Reginiussen, Gamboa - Dockal, Svensson, Diskerud (91./Iversen), Holm (81./Selnaes) - Elyounoussi - PricaYellow Cards: Holm, Rönning, Gamboa, Svensson (gw)
25.09.2012