With Christopher Dibon returning from suspension, Rapid lined up as expected in Maria Enzersdorf, with birthday boy Terrance Boyd (turned 23 on Sunday) having to settle for a place on the bench. The Green & Whites made a confident start in what is a tricky venue and came within inches of taking the lead: incisive football played Burgstaller in down the Admira left flank, who cut the ball invitingly across the six yard box but lone striker Marcel Sabitzer wasn't quite on the same wave length and the opportunity was missed (5.).  Burgstaller involved in Rapid's best momentsThe first half offering from the hosts was rather tepid: a powerful, downward header from Domoraud (9.) that tested Jan Novota was the best of the meagre offerings for home supporters during the first 45 minutes. Following a bright start Zoran Barisic's side's efforts also tailed off somewhat: long range efforts from Petsos (15.) and Sabitzer (25.) did little to set pulses racing. However with half time approaching Guido Burgstaller was again involved as Rapid conjured a moment of quality that could, and maybe should, have lead to an opener: played in by Sabitzer, Burgstaller dribbled to the edge of the area, cleverly cut back onto his right foot to open up a fantastic shooting opportunity - dumping his marker on the floor in the process - but fired high and wide with a full goal to aim at (41.). It was a first half that failed to ignite, nevertheless Rapid will feel they had done enough to have led at half time.Jan Novota penalty heroicsThe heavens opened at the start of the second half and the rains fell, making conditions even more challenging on an already difficult playing surface. Rene Schicker had the first chance of the half, making a good fist of an effort that went narrowly wide from a tight angle (47.). Slowly Rapid worked their way back into the ascendancy, creaing a clutch of half chances: firstly Schrammel snatched at a presentable opportunity, sending his effort well wide of the target (58.), before the tricky Schaub almost manufactured an opening for himself with some tidy footwork in the left forward position (62.). Minutes later though the game was turned on its head when last man Branko Boskovic was sent off for a cynical foul on Schwab. The referee pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty. Replays suggested the contact was just on the edge of the area and Schwab's momentum took him inside the box, but Rapid couldn't have many complaints about the decision. Schwab took the kick himself, placed it to Novota's left, but was foiled by a superb save from the bearded keeper who guessed correctly and got a powerful hand on the ball, turning it away to safety (68.)!A final 15 minutes to forgetUnfortunately not long after his penalty heroics, Jan Novota was beaten: a low ball was delivered into the near post and Sulimani got to it ahead of Sonnleitner, guiding his first time shot low into the bottom corner - 1:0 (78.). Zoran Barisic responded by throwing on Starkl and Boyd up front, but with the man deficit feeding the strike pair was proving problematic. With Rapid stretched and looking to force the issue Admira settled matters on the counter: a 90th minute break resulted in Sulimani bearing down on Novota and with the big keeper's near post hopelessly exposed the Admira striker slotted home a simple finish to end the contest (89.). Terrence Boyd picked up an injury time consolation, showing good strength before finishing in a composed manner (93.) but it was too little too late all that was left was a short trip back to Vienna empty handed for our side.The game finished 1:2 and what could have easily been three points ended up being none. Grödig are next weeks visitors to the Hanappi, a timely fixture for a hurting Rapid who will be determined to cut the Salzburg sides four point advantage in the race for European football.tipp3-Bundesliga, Match Day 23FC Admira - SK Rapid 2:1 (0:0)BSFZ-Arena, 5.461 Attendance, Ref MuckenhammerGoals: 1:0 (78.) B. Sulimani, 2:0 (89.) B. Sulimani, 2:1 (93.) BoydAdmira: Kuttin - Zwierschitz, Windbichler, Schösswendter, Auer - Ebner - Ouedraogo (69./D. Toth), Thürauer (94./Pranjic), Schwab, Domoraud - R. Schicker (60./B. Sulimani)SK Rapid: Novota - Trimmel, Sonnleitner, Dibon, Schrammel - Petsos, Boskovic - S. Hofmann (89./Wydra), Schaub (82./Boyd), G. Burgstaller - Sabitzer (79./Starkl)Yellow cards: Domoraud S. Hofmann, WydraRed card: Boskovic (66./denying a clear goalscoring opportunity)(gw)
17.02.2014