Routine win in second friendly

Shorn of the services of injured players such Mario Sonnleitner, Max Hofmann and Deni Alar, Rapid welcomed FAC to the training complex at the Ernst Happel Stadium for the Hütteldorfers second friendly of the winter break. Despite the freezing conditions, 300 hardy souls turned up to watch the game, which was sponsored by Wein Burgenland.

The trainer team, led by head coach Didi Kühbauer, used the match as a chance to experiment, with two entirely different Rapid XI's competing in each half. New signing and returning face Srdjan Grahovac was available to take to the pitch, while young centre half Leo Greiml from SK Rapid II also got minutes on the pitch, coming on for Christopher Dibon on the half hour mark after the experienced defender picked up a slight knock.

By the time Dibon departed Rapid could have already been in the lead: a shot from Philipp Schobesberger was well saved by the visiting keeper (7.), before Andrija Pavlovic arrowed a shot just past the far post (9.). Schobesberger again went close, when a looping ball into the box deceived the keeper and struck the woodwork (18.). A very presentable headed chance then fell to Mateo Barac, but he couldn't get his attempt on target (25.). Finally, the pressure told and Rapid went ahead: a long ball from Schwab dropped between the Floridsdorf defence and goalie, allowing Pavlovic to steal in between them and slot home into an empty net - 1:0 (35.). There were no further goals in the first half.

It took until the second period before the Green & Whites' second division opponents created a chance, when Rapid keeper Tobias Knoflach was called into action to keep out a headed effort from a free kick. It was a show of intent from the guests, but Rapid's lead never really looked in danger and the margin could have been extended: a flowing passing move resulted in Boli Bolingoli feeding the ball into Thomas Murg, who shot just wide of the target (74.). Further opportunities came when Andrei Ivan found the side-netting and Mert Müldür had a shot saved, but the score remained 1:0 at the final whistle.

Friendly:
SK Rapid - FAC 1:0 (1:0)
Saturday, 19 January 2019
Trainings pitches Ernst Happel Stadium, 300 Attendance

Goal: 1:0 Pavlovic (35.);

SK Rapid (1st half): Strebinger; Thurnwald, Dibon (32. Greiml), Barac, Potzmann; Grahovac, Schwab; Knasmüllner, Berisha, Schobesberger; Pavlovic;

SK Rapid (2nd Half): Knoflach; Müldür, Greiml, Barac, Auer; Ljubicic, Martic; Ivan, Murg, Bolingoli; Pavlovic (70. Berisha - wieder eingewechselt);

(gw)