2:2 in friendly against Bohemians Prague
On Saturday, ahead of Sunday's departure, the squad took on its second and final opponent of the 2016 training camp in Side. As they did one year previously in Belek, Bohemians Prague provided the opposition for the match at the Emirhan Training Complex. The Czech top flight outfit are still under the tutelage of ex-Rapid man Roman Pivarnik, who was all smiles as he was once again reunited with his former club colleague Zoran Barisic (see picture).
The Hüttledorfers had the better of the opening minutes, underlined by Stefan Schwab's header from a corner which crept just the wrong side of the angle of crossbar and post (3.). Matej Jelic handed Rapid the lead after Stefan Stangl had done well to win the ball and set up the Croatian hitman - 1:0 (7.). The Green & Whites were well on top of their Czech opponents, and it was of little surprise when Schwab put his side 2:0 up, converting from the penalty spot following a foul in the area (30.). Prague got a goal back on the stroke of half time - somewhat against the run of play - after manufacturing a decent position for themselves for the first time in the match (45.). There was still time for a deflected effort from Kainz to worry the Bohemians' goalkeeper before the half time whistle brought an end to the lively proceedings.
The second half was punctuated by a loss of fluidity owing to a swathe of substitutions on both sides, with Zoran Barisic making no less than seven changes ahead of the second period. A free kick from Flo Kainz (57.), and a shot from Schwab after good play from Tomi and Gashi (68.) were Rapid's best offerings in the second forty-five. The only goal of the half was scored by Prague in the 78th minute as a deflected shot from range levelled proceedings ensuring the Hüttledorfers had to settle for a 2:2 draw before bidding farewell to the warm Turkish winter sun and heading back to Vienna.
SK Rapid - Bohemians Prag 2:2 (2:1)
Saturday, 30.1.2016
Sport Complex Emirhan, 50 Attendance
Goals: 1:0 Jelic (7.), 2:0 Schwab (30., pen) 2:1 Mikus (45.), 2:2 Bartek (78.);
SK Rapid: Strebinger (63. Knoflach); Pavelic, Sonnleitner, M. Hofmann, Stangl (46. Kovacec); Schwab, Nutz (63. Gashi); Schobesberger (63. Kuen), S. Hofmann (46. Wöber), Kainz (63. Tomi); Jelic (63. Prosenik);
(gw)