Image: APA / HANS PUNZ
Instead of hopelessly back, full again: Rapid mixes well after the 2-1 home win against Dinamo Zagreb in the promotion race of the football Europa League group H at halftime. But not only the first goals and points were gratifying on Thursday evening, but above all the fact that the success was earned thanks to one of the best performances of the season. Coach Dietmar Kühbauer got the Rapid ship back on course after strong turbulence.
“Zagreb is not just anyone, it's a very good team in international football. To win 2-1 is outstanding, fantastic. That's how we imagine it, that's how we want to perform. That is really good,” said a relieved Rapid- Goalie Paul Gartler on record. Kühbauer also felt a load of relief. “Who is not happy when a team plays the way the coach imagines it. We have had difficult times. I hope that we can look forward to even more in the next few weeks.”
The game against Zagreb was difficult if only because they knew that without a win in the group there was nothing more to be done. “With the three we are back in the game. That's why I have to give the team a lot of praise,” said Rapids coach. The Viennese drew on points with the second Zagreb and neo-taillight Genk. So a tough fight for second promotion and third place, which entitles you to switch to the Conference League, is announced, as West Ham United (9) has hurried up front.
Against Zagreb, the Rapidler fulfilled the important factors of courage, determination, conviction and mentality, which Kühbauer had mentioned in the run-up to the game, to the fullest satisfaction. “The team did exactly what you have to do on an international level,” emphasized Kühbauer. His troops had been very stable on the defensive and had repeatedly set pinpricks forwards. “We were the more active team, better at the game and deservedly left the field as winners, even if it was hard work,” said the Burgenlander.
Once again, Marco Grüll was outstanding. The 22-year-old holds after his opening goal (9th) and the submission with a free-kick flank at 2-1 by captain Maximilian Hofmann (34th), who broke his nose in the finish, after 22 competitive games with ten hits and five assists. “I'm trying my best, let's hope it goes on like this,” said Grüll. He was known as a goalscorer even before he was involved in Rapid. “I've scored my goals in the past and it's the same everywhere, the goals are the same size and I try to use my chances as much as possible,” commented the offensive player.
It was also impressive that the hosts were not deterred by the rapid equalization of Mislav Orsic (24th). “We slept there,” said central defender Leo Greiml. “The goal was cheap and bitter,” added Grüll. But that was the only point of criticism, as the Viennese immediately took over the reins again, put it back and, from the outside, were never in danger of conceding another goal after the break.
“We didn't expect that we have so many chances and we closed the shop very well in the back,” summarized Grüll. The Allianz Stadium remains good ground in Europe, four out of five games this season have been won. This time as an outsider. “You can't win much nationally, internationally Zagreb stood above us on paper, that's not always bad,” explained Rapids coach.
With seven points from the last three competitive games, the curve for the Viennese is clearly pointing upwards. The unnecessary loss of points in excess of last at the league 1: 1 in Klagenfurt is forgotten. “We knew it couldn't go on like this. You must never draw a game like this, that was stupid of us. Today you saw that we can play much better,” said Grüll. TSV Hartberg should also feel this on Sunday in Styria. “Every victory is very important in the head. Now we have to bring our true face to the field in the league,” said the striker.
Then Kühbauer could sleep more peacefully again. “It was a very good performance against a very good team, which is very important for us for the next tasks,” said Kühbauer optimistically looking ahead. There are no unimportant games at Rapid. “The truth is, you have to win everywhere,” the 50-year-old is aware. This also includes the Cup round of 16 in Amstetten and the league home game against LASK, which are still pending before the “second leg” against Zagreb on November 4th.
