Rapid lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for Sunday's trip to European-football-chasing SV Grödig on Sunday. Zoran Barisic again shuffled his pack, with Behrendt and Wydra playing the midfield holding roles, behind an attacking trio of Burgstaller, Hofmann and Sabitzer. Terrance Boyd was installed in the lone strikers role, whilst the first choice back four again lined up in front of number one Jan Novota. A strong looking bench included the likes of Thanos Petsos, Branko Boskovic and Louis Schaub.Green and Whites dominate – but fall a goal behindThe early stages of the contest we're dominated by Rapid: a first minute long shot from Dominik Wydra got proceedings off to a good start, before Guido Burgstaller cut into the penalty area after receiving the ball from a Sabitzer throw in on the left flank only to fire over from a great position (2.). The Green & Whites continued to look dangerous when Burgstaller played in Terrence Boyd behind the Grödig defence, but his attempted low cross was cut out (5.). Guido Burgstaller was proving a handful for the hosts' defence, and he nearly got on the end of a delightful chipped pass by Steffen Hofmann, but Grödig keeper Fend rushed off his line and just beat the Rapid man to the ball (10.). It seemed only a matter of time before the first goal arrived, and it duly did - but incredibly it was the home side who stole ahead. A corner was only half cleared by the Rapid defence, who attempted to squeeze up out of the box but got their angles wrong, allowing Tadej Trdina to score with a simple stooping header - 1:0 (12.) and Novota's Bundesliga record run of clean sheets came to a disappointing end.The goal seemed to throw Rapid out of their rhythm and gave Grödig renewed self belief which began to manifest itself in a succession of chances: firstly a mix up between Novota and Dibon allowed Tomi a free shot on an open goal, but from just a matter of yards the Grödig striker somehow missed the target (20.). Minutes later Elsneg burst through a weak Christopher Trimmel challenge and got off a decent near post shot that drew a diving save from Novota (22.). Just when it looked like Rapid were beginning to rock a little bit, they snatched an equaliser: a cross from Thomas Schrammel found Terrence Boyd in the area, the American striker showing great technique as he chested the ball up into the air and then in one movement headed it against the post and into the net through Fend's legs - 1:1 and Rapid deservedly back on level terms (24.).Rapid regain composureThe goal saw the early attacking poise and defensive security return to Rapid's game, and it was the Hütteldorfers who again took control of the remainder of the half. An excellent pin point pass from back to front by Christopher Dibon picked out Marcel Sabitzer's expert run in behind the defence, but with Fend running off his line to close down the space, Sabitzer attempted the lob but failed to get the necessary elevation (30). Sabitzer then turned provider, playing in Guido Burgstaller down the right hand side of the penalty area, who took too long in getting his shot away (33.). Just as it looked like the game would remain even going into the half time break, Rapid went ahead for the first time in the match - perhaps a little fortuitously: Boyd was adjudged to have been brought down by Fend, a decision which was maybe a touch hard on the Grödig keeper, got up to take the penalty himself and coolly slotted it home low to the right - 2:1 and Rapid full value for the lead (42.).Early action in the second halfJust minutes after the restart Rapid came within a matter of inches of opening up a two goal cushion: attractive build play ended with Wydra playing a cheeky back-heel into the path of Thomas Schrammel, who unleashed a stinging left foot drive that was tipped onto the crossbar (47.). It was an unfortunate moment that would cost Rapid dearly. Grödig's first foray of the half into Hütteldorfer territory resulted in a cross being swung into the box which was met by goal scorer Trdina, who was in an alarming amount of space as he powerfully headed his second goal of the game - 2:2 and another disappointing goal to concede from a Green & White point of view.Rapid responded well to the setback though, and should have re-taken the lead when Trimmel fed the ball into Burgstaller, who showed great skill to nutmeg marker Cabrera before shooting well over from another great position (57.). Zoran Barisic brought on Louis Schaub in place of Steffen Hofmann in the 66th minute, and the substitute was heavily involved in Rapid's next effort on goal, as intricate passing saw the ball move from Schaub to Wydra, whose precise cross was volleyed agonisingly against the crossbar by Terrence Boyd (71). It was a sublime volley from Boyd, and would have been the perfect way to bring up his hat-trick. The last flash of danger came when Boyd played Sabitzer into a dangerous position, but the prominent forward couldn't get the ball under control and another great opportunity was missed (75.).The closing stages of the game failed to produce clear cut chances for either side, and despite continuing to look the team most likely to force a breakthrough, Rapid had to settle for a draw. On the balance of play a solitary point seems like scant reward for an excellent performance, but its a point that in the context of the league the Green & Whites can be thoroughly satisfied with. Next up is Red Bull Salzburg at the Hanappi, a proposition that doesn't look quite as threatening as it might have a few months ago. Since sealing the Bundesliga crown Salzburg's priorities lie elsewhere, and with raucous home backing Rapid will be confident of getting a result that would see them inch nearer to their goals of securing European football for next season and second place in the Bundesliga table.tipp3-Bundesliga, 33rd roundSV Grödig - SK Rapid 2:2 (1:2)Grödig, Untersberg-Arena, 2.749, Referee SchüttengruberGoals: 1:0 (12.) Trdina, 1:1 (24.) Boyd, 1:2 (43.) Boyd (Penalty), 2:2 (51.) TrdinaSV Grödig: Fend - Potzmann (82. Boller), Karner (46. Maak), Cabrera, Martschinko - M. Leitgeb, Tschernegg (68. Sigurdsson) - Huspek, Tomi, Elsneg - TrdinaSK Rapid: Novota - Trimmel, Sonnleitner, Dibon, Schrammel - Wydra, Behrendt - Burgstaller (82. Alar), S. Hofmann (67. Schaub), Sabitzer - BoydYellow Cards: Cabrera, Fend, Maak Trimmel, Wydra (gw)
22.04.2014