An injury to Branko Boskovic in the final training session before the Europa League 3rd round encounter in Tripoli meant he was only fit enough to take a place on the bench. Instead Thanos Petsos lined up alongside Brian Behrendt and with this solid midfield combo and the support of 400 travelling Viennese, Rapid took on their Greek opponents. The early signs were promising for a Rapid side who, far from being overawed, took the game to their hosts and created the early chances: firstly Steffen Hofmann unleashed a good effort having been set up by Boyd (5.), before Boyd himself failed to capitalise on a Guido Burgstaller cross (15.).Great response to two set backsThe game was developing into a fiercely competitive contest, with both teams unwilling to give an inch, just as two blows struck the Green & Whites: in the 18th minute Christopher Dibon picked up an injury but manfully carried on to half time before having to be withdrawn from the game with a shoulder injury, the severity of which will we keep you updated on. Then the Hütteldorfers were dealt a further blow, this time in terms of the scoreline: Tripoli's Zisopolous pulled away into space at the back of the penalty, was found by a cross and dispatched the ball on the volley past Jan Novota into the net - 1:0 (25.).Rapid didn't let their chins drop though and responded in style: firstly Louis Schaub went close with a shot that just cleared the crossbar (28.), then Terrence Boyd was upended in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and responsibility fell on Boyd himself who got up and levelled matters with the resulting penalty - 1:1 (32.)! Minutes later Schaub again looked to test the Greek keeper, this time with a free kick which called Bandis into action as he tipped the effort over the bar (34.). As the half time whistle went Rapid returned to the dressing room much the happier of the two sides and clearly in the ascendancy.A different complex in the second halfHalf time saw the introduction of 19 year old centre back Maximilian Hofmann in place of injured Dibon at this point the youngster had only a fleeting appearance in the Bundesliga under his belt. Hofmann soon came under scrutiny as the hosts upped their game and began to take control of proceedings. A free kick from Caffa nearly restored their advantage (53.), before Boyd and Novota were both on hand to deny the Greeks, repelling a guilt edged double chance (56.). The pressure from Asteras was becoming constant and the Tripoli side were looking increasingly dangerous from set pieces. However, the Green & Whites still offered goal threat on their fleeting forays into Greek territory, as firstly a quick counter involving Steffen Hofmann finished with a Burgstaller effort that narrowly missed the target (63.), before a stunning 30 meter free-kick from Petsos went a matter of inches over the bar (65.). Despite the waves of attacks the defence held firm and our side was able to repel the best that Asteras had to offer: crosses were headed away, shots charged down and Jan Novota was steady between the posts. Juanma failed to get his 89th minute header on target and with the chance went the hosts' hopes of victory. The 1:1 scoreline is a solid result for the Hütteldorfers and with an away goal in the bag we go into the return leg in a very strong position. Before welcoming Tripoli to Vienna, a trip to Graz to face Sturm awaits on Sunday.UEFA Europa League-Qualification, 3. Round:Asteras Tripoli - SK Rapid 1:1 (1:1)Tripoli, Gipedo-Stadium, 5.000 Attendance, Ref: Blom (NED)Goals: 1:0 Zisopoulos (27.), 1:1 Boyd (32./PE)Asteras: Bantis - Tsampouris, Lisgaras, Kourbelis, Pipinis - Zisopoulos, Usero - Navarro (73./Grazzini), De Blasis, Zaradoukas (46./Caffa) - Barrales (61./Juanma)SK Rapid: Novota - Trimmel, Sonnleitner, Dibon (46./M. Hofmann), Schrammel - Petsos, Behrendt - Schaub (85./Grozurek), S. Hofmann (68./Sabitzer), Burgstaller - BoydYellow Cards: Pipinis, Zaradoukas, Tsampouris, Kourbelis, Grazzini Behrendt, Burgstaller(gw)
06.08.2013