Admira 1:3: Fitting end to a memorable season

The injury curse that has been hanging over the squad for the past months managed to claim another two victims in the build-up to the last fixture of the season away in Mödling: Captain Steffen Hofmann and goalkeeper Richard Strebinger were the latest names added to an ever growing list. In came 22-year-old goalie Tobias Knoflach for only his second senior appearance; whilst Srdjan Grahovac filled in at centre back alongside Captain for the day Mario Sonnleitner.

With second place already in the bag, Rapid wanted to put on one last show for the fans who had made the short trip south, and ensure they wrapped up a season that has once more provided many special moments with another performance worthy of the shirt. From the first whistle the Green & Whites put their hosts under concerted pressure, with an early low shot from Louis Schaub going just wide of the target (4.). A low cross from Schaub then appeared to be heading towards Flo Kainz who would've had a tap in, but a flying interception from an Admira defender temporarily cleared the danger (9.). Just a minute later Matej Jelic threatened with a header; before Louis Schaub grabbed the opening goal Zoran Barisic's team had been promising: Stefan Nutz found Flo Kainz on the left hand side of the Admira area, his cross found an unmarked Schaub at the back post, who turned the ball home from close range to give his side a deserved lead – 1:0 (12.)! Soon afterwards Schaub had a glorious header chalked off - correctly - for offside, so it was one goal to the good that Rapid went into the half time team talk.

With European qualification on the line for Admira, it was clear they would scrap to try and get back into the game in the second half, but the composed Hütteldorfers saw off a small spell of tepid pressure at the beginning of the second period and began to re-assert themselves. Rapid doubled their advantage on the hour mark, when Stefan Schwab headed home from a whipped Flo Kainz corner, his header carrying just enough power to beat Mödling keeper Siebenhandl, despite him getting a hand to the ball - 2:0 (62.)! On his last appearance for the club Deni Alar could, and possibly should, have got himself on the scoresheet, but could only find the side netting when through on goal (64.). Next season Alar will return to his native Styria and don the black and white of Sturm Graz. Mario Sonnleitner rose highest in the Admira box in the 84th minute, to replicate a virtual carbon copy of Schwab's goal: his powerful downward header making it 3:0 and wrapping up a very satisfying and comfortable final day victory! Ex-Rapid man Lukas Grozurek grabbed a long range consolation for the hosts (86.), but the day belonged to the Hütteldorfers who signed off for the 2015/16 season in style.

In the coming weeks we’ll have plenty of information about the pre-season as the exciting move back home to Huetteldorf and the Allianz Stadium edges ever closer. 2015/16 offered plenty of high points; which include of course the famous victories on the international stage over Ajax Amsterdam and Villarreal. With a second place finish in the league, there is plenty to look forward to in the coming years as the club continues to put all the foundations in place in the drive towards long term on and off-field success. RAPID!!

(gw)