In the build up to the match against Asteras Tripoli, Rapid had made it clear that they had no intention of sitting on the slender advantage gained in Greece and the policy would be one of attacking football, taking the game to the opposition. From the kick off it was clear that the team would be abiding by their attacking principles. As expected the returning Brian Behrendt lined up in defence, whilst Branko Boskovic came in to perform the midfield defensive duties.The game kicked off as scheduled at 20:30 in sweltering 33 degree heat, and if that wasn't hot enough the Rapid fans notched it up even further with incredible backing that really defined the concept of home advantage. The game itself took a little time to warm up: both teams were set up well and cancelled each other out for large portions of the opening exchanges. The evening was obviously going to be a difficult challenge for the Huetteldorfers.The fuse is litHowever without a goal appearing to be in the offing, Rapid manufactured the first of the evening out of nothing: a clever through ball from Sabitzer pierced the Greek's back line and set up Terrance Boyd whose scuffed shot was partially blocked. The ball though fell invitingly to Thanos Petsos who calmly side footed the into the bottom left hand corner from close range – 1:0 (25.). The goal proved to be the fuse that lit the performance on the field, the noise emanating from the stands had long been at the players backs. Boyd tried to double the Green & Whites advantage with a shot on the turn (31.), before Steffen Hofmann tried his luck with a wicked effort from distance (35.). Shortly afterwards the Greek visitors produced their first moments of danger when Caffa went close with a header (36.), then Usero thankfully spurned a presentable opportunity from close range, firing over the cross bar when he really should have done better (36.). With the last kick of the first half Rapid were desperately unlucky not to grab a second of the night when a great effort from Sabitzer cannoned off the crossbar: Rapid denied a crucial second and some daylight between themselves and Tripoli by a matter of inches (45.).The right response. Again.      The start of the second half saw a Rapid side playing lots of neat football with a good pace and rhythm, but unable to fashion any real clear cut openings. In the midst of all this good work from the Green & Whites, Asteras snatched a crucial away goal. Following a corner Christopher Trimmel failed to properly clear his lines and the recently introduced Grazzini was on hand to capitalise from close range and level the tie on aggregate - 1:1 (58.). Would Rapid now fall apart? Not this season, instead they showed the gritty determination on display in previous weeks and got back on top of their opponents. There was a further blow though when Zoran Basrisic was forced to change the injured Marcel Sabitzer. In his place came Louis Schaub for what would be a momentous night for the young Rapid youth product. A blocked Steffen Hofmann effort squirmed through to Schaub, who poked the ball under the body of the advancing keeper to hand Rapid back the aggregate lead and send the Hanappi into ecstasy - 2:1 (62.). Despite dominating possession the Green & Whites had to always be on the look out for swift counters from Tripoli - qualification was in sight, but just one goal for the visitors would have changed the entire complexion of the game. With just five minutes to go though the Rapid Fans could sit a bit easier in the seats: Branko Boskovic worked the ball to Schaub on the left hand side of the penalty who did well to work some shooting space on his left foot, he unleashed his shot which was deflected and beat the Tripoli goalkeeper all ends up - 3:1 (85.)! The crucial blow had been struck, and struck by Green & White! The whistle went and ended a game which had proved to be a tough examination of Barisic's new Rapid, but one that they had deservedly passed with flying colours. The play-off round of the Europa League is the reward.UEFA Europa League, 3. Qualification Round, Second Leg: SK Rapid - Asteras Tripoli 3:1 (1:0) Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, 15.300 Attendance, Ref Evans (WAL)Goals: 1:0 Petsos (25.), 1:1 Grazzini (57.), 2:1 Schaub (62.), 3:1 Schaub (85.)SK Rapid: Novota - Trimmel, Sonnleitner, Behrendt, Schrammel - Petsos, Boskovic - S. Hofmann (80./Grozurek) - Burgstaller (89./Pavelic), Boyd, Sabitzer (61. Schaub)Asteras: Bantis - Tsambouris, Goian, Kourbelis, Pipinis - Zisopoulos (46./Grazzini) - Navarro (68./Bakasetas), Usero, De Blasis, Caffa - Barrales (69./Juanma)Yellow Cards: Hofmann, Boyd, Trimmel, Schrammel(gw)
09.08.2013