Rapid Complete Conference League Quali Comeback

For the final time in the 2024/25 season, the Allianz Stadium opened its doors on Sunday, and there was a place in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers at stake against LASK. Matthias Seidl had scored from the spot against the same opponents three days earlier, but after a 3-1 first-leg defeat Rapid had their work cut out to turn the tie around and get the job done at home.

In front of more than 18,000 spectators, Rapid’s comeback hopes were spearheaded by Guido Burgstaller in his last professional game. As usual Niklas Hedl was in goal; Bendegúz Bolla, Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao, Nenad Cvetković and Dominic Vincze made up the back four; front of them, Romeo Amane and Lukas Grgic we're ready to battle after recovering from injury; whilst Matti Seidl, Moritz Oswald and Nikolaus Wurmbrand were deployed in order to bring momentum to the offence. One of the great Rapid players of recent years was also given a proper send-off: for his final game, Guido Burgstaller was allowed to lead his team onto the pitch with the captain’s armband.

The first few minutes after kick-off belonged to the guests, but the Rapid players soon got settled, and showed that they wanted to make amends for Thursday's result with their first tentative attacks. After just over five minutes, our captain dribbled his way into the penalty area but was unable to get a shot away. Shortly afterwards, Rapid came close to scoring again, however, a communication mix-up between Bendi Bolla and Niki Wurmbrand prevented the shot from about 25 yards doing any damage. The latter had to leave the field not long later due to injury - Andrija Radulović came on in his place. The Green & Whites kept the pressure on, yet the chances mainly stemmed from corner-kicks, something which was also the case after a Radulovic cross, when a LASK defender was just able to scramble a Seidl shot off the line from an acute angle (25').

Just as if it were fated to happen, our No. 9 then scored the fully deserved opening goal! Guido Burgstaller intercepted a free-kick from inside the LASK penalty area, looked up and then finished with aplomb from the edge of the box to make it 1-0 (2-3 agg.) (35’). The next opportunity also fell to the now resurgent Green & Whites: A free-kick from Matthias Seidl picked out Nenad Cvetkovic, who flicked the ball on with his head but was unable to find a team-mate. Next highlight: tiki-taka from our attackers: Burgstaller and Seidl combined via Momo Oswald just in front of goal - alas Seidl was pressured just as he went for the finish, and the ball rolled out of play (43'). The teams went in at the break with Rapid back within one goal!

Immediately after the restart, our captain was involved in the first attack again, but Burgi was a split-second too late to get onto the pass in the danger area, and the ball ended up out of play. Moritz Oswald also tested the LASK keeper with a shot from range (54'), before Guido Burgstaller tried again: Moritz Oswald, Bendi Bolla and Dominic Vincze combined to reach the six-yard box, where our No. 9's attempted shot was blocked (63'). Things also got heated at the other end. One of the visitors dribbled skilfully towards Niklas Hedl's goal, but our goalkeeper reacted with presence of mind and was able to tip the ball onto the bar brilliantly (65'). Just a few moments after coming on as a substitute, Louis Schaub then brought the ball forward with a strong dribble, moved into the centre and played a pass through to Matti Seidl, who had his first attempt blocked, and then hammered his next against the far post (71').

A VAR check was required at the start of the Rapid Quarter-Hour. Referee Jäger took a closer look at a tackle between Andrija Radulovic and Hrvoje Smolcic near the byeline, and upon inspection, awarded a penalty to Rapid! As in the first leg, Matti Seidl stepped up to take the spot-kick - and converted it, despite the keeper guessing the right way, to make it 2-0 (3-3 agg.) (79')!

LASK then responded briefly, and scored a goal which was thankfully ruled offside, but the final word belonged to SK Rapid again, and Burgstaller was at the heart of it once more! After his cross deep into stoppage-time, Ercan Kara rose highest and headed the ball emphatically down and in for a magical match-winner - 3-0 (4-3 agg.)!

The final whistle followed almost immediately after the fervent celebrations from the players and fans, and the comeback was officially complete! With the players jumping for joy in front of Block West, it was a tremendous image with which to end the campaign, safe in the knowledge that SK Rapid will be back in European Qualifying for next season!

Fotos: GEPA