It was closer than a year ago, but the cup winner is announced again Sturm. The people of Graz turned against it Rapid a half-time deficit thanks to two goals from standard situations.
Sturm are well on their way to a double after winning 2-1 in an intense final, while Rapid is set to end another disappointing season.
It’s just about fourth place and a European Cup ticket as a small consolation.
Before it could get really loud inside, it was really tough outside. It should be part of Klagenfurt stadium folklore that the journey becomes chaos. Somehow the total of 30,000 fans made it to the stadium near Lake Wörthersee by 5 p.m. Too many Rapid fans pushed into the upper tier and as a result some seats remained vacant in the first tier.
They saw a strike team that differed in two positions from the one in the 2-2 draw in Salzburg. The more offensive one Schnegg displaced left rear Stage dress. And right at the front came the even more poisonous one Go ahead for the first hour instead of Böving.
Opposite was a Rapid team that had never played together like this before and was still the coach’s dream team Robert Klauss was. Defended for the first time since tearing his cruciate ligament in August Cvetkovic from the beginning, alongside Crossfield. Defended right back Kasanwirjo – the only Rapid outfield player who played last in all three league defeats. At the center was the return of Grgic, who was badly fouled in the 0-1 loss in Graz, is to be expected. Sitting on the right wing Klauss on new arrivals Jansson (replace Long).
Rapid had the first top chance
After just four minutes, Rapid had a better chance than in the entire 2023 final (0:2). A Auer-Corner landed on the forehead Cvetkovic, who headed just wide. Stopped on the other side Crossfield for the first time in the Vienna penalty area Go aheadthat should be a key duel (5th).
After a strong Rapid quarter of an hour, the first shock for the Green-Whites: Of all people, Auer, who had never been injured before, could no longer play. Oswald came, Kasanwirjo had to switch to the left. That obviously wasn’t good for the flow of the game. Hedl had to against Horvat and Biereth parry (19th).
Sparks flying between the trainer benches
Memories of the refused handshake from Christian Ilzer woke up when the Sturm coach massively (and successfully) received the first yellow card against Cvetkovic demanded. The gestures from the Rapid bench towards the Styrian were clear.
After 25 minutes, Grgic presented the best chance. Jansson narrowly missed his Stangl pass from five meters. On the other side, Jatta headed over after a fine move by Gorenc Stankovic (34′). It was also about the head Biereth Kasanwirjo hit and accepted an injury. Referee Gishamer left it with a yellow card.
After 43 minutes and winning the ball against Gazibegovic strength Gruel Towards the gate. One hook, one shot, one save. But Matthias Seidl ran along and finished right in front of the Rapid block. When the goal celebration followed, the roof almost flew off.
After the pyro show the turning point came
The second half started late due to a massive pyrotechnic show from the Rapid fans. Then the people of Graz were able to make gains – like in 2023. Hedl held against Biereth (47.) Three minutes and a storm corner later nothing could be stopped. In the second attempt the ball came to the strong David Affengruber. His header became an own goal via Leo Querfeld’s hip – 1:1 (49th).
After a corner the ball was back in the goal. It took the VAR to clearly recognize the offense Biereth against Hedl also to be punished (65.).
After 71 minutes it was no longer possible for Cvetkovic – Kongolo came, as did Kerschbaum for Sattlberger.
Standards shaped the intense game. After a throw-in, the Rapidlers claimed a foul, but Kiteishvili was able to pass on Tomi Horvath, who slotted in easily – 2:1 (81st).
Furkan Dursun was the last joker for the visibly tired Rapidler. A Gruel-Free kick over the goal was the penultimate opportunity. The last one parried Jaros against Burgstaller. The rest was cheers in black and white.
(kurier.at, Agency, point)
| Updated at 7:05 p.m