Rapid went into the match against Dila Gori without the services of Terrence Boyd who failed a late fitness test. Despite the absence of the American the Green & Whites managed to secure the result they were looking and have the desired lead ahead of the return clash in Georgia. But, as expected, Dila Gori proved a tough nut to crack. Happy to concede territory virtually to the edge of their own box, the away side set up camp and defended deep and in numbers. Breaking down this wall would prove to be anything but easy...Critical moments before half timeBut Rapid were determined to get a positive result and set about their task at break neck speed with belief and enthusiasm. Guido Burgstaller's ball into the box provided the Georgians with their first moment of concern (8.), before Hofmann went close with a short range effort (9.). The Hütteldorfers pinned their opponents down and in instances where they lost position, hunted the ball down straight away in a high pressing pattern repeated throughout the game. The first clear cut chances arrived as the guests defended deeper and deeper in their own territory: the first chance fell to Burgstaller who tested the Dila Gori keeper with a smart shot (31.), the same player then went close with a header following a good delivery from Christopher Trimmel (39.). Disaster nearly struck for Rapid a few minutes before half time: the Georgians pierced a slack attempt to play offside from the Rapid defence, playing in their man on Jan Novota, but the big keeper came out on top in his one on one dual to unsure the deadlock remained in tact (41.). It was a key moment in the game and from almost conceding the Green & Whites swept forward in a swift counter attack of their own from the resulting corner for Dila Gori. The set piece was gathered by Novota who immediately released to Hofmann, who in turn played a ball deep into opposition territory for Burgstaller to chase. The Rapid forward gathered in the ball and with the opposition for once short on numbers at the back he drove on before floating a cross into the box that was met first time by Louis Schaub. The youngster made no mistake, slamming home first time from close range to round off a sweeping move - 1:0 (42.).A second goal felt in the offingThe start of the second half saw a confident Rapid looking to serve up more of what they dished out during the first. An early free-kick from Hofmann somehow found its way to Burgstaller who guided a header over, seemingly surprised that the ball had reached him (48.). The Green & Whites kept the ball on the deck and kept probing with their passing football. In terms of setting the tone the Hütteldorfers were again orchestrating proceedings, perhaps even looking for one pass to many and lacking a little directness. Guido Burgstaller again tried his luck, this time with a snap effort on the turn (66.), he couldn't however find a way past the in form keeper who also kept out Branko Boskovic's free kick minutes later (71.).A second goal appeared to be on the cards but unfortunately it failed to materialise. At the other end of the pitch the Rapid defence put in a mean second half performance, not allowing the visitors a single sight of goal. The score line remained 1:0 and sets Rapid up nicely for the challenge that awaits in Georgia.UEFA Europa League, Play-OffSK Rapid - Dila Gori 1:0 (1:0)Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, 14.400 Attendance, Referee Johannesson (SWE)Goal: 1:0 Schaub (42.)SK Rapid: Novota - Trimmel, Sonnleitner, Dibon, Schrammel - Petsos (71./Behrendt), Boskovic - Schaub, Hofmann (81./Sabitzer), Grozurek (88./Denner) - BurgstallerDila Gori: Rewischwili - Gongadse, Tomaschwili (50./Bolkwadse), Chisanejischwili, Guruli - Kwachadse, Kobachidse - Aladaschwili (54./Maisuradse), Dolidse (68./Gabeschwili), Gwalia - IluridseYellow Cards: Hofmann, Schaub Iluridse, Gwalija, Kobachidse (gw)
26.08.2013