The quick 1:0 by Nenad Cvetkovic (9.) was equalised by Johnny Kenny (55.), with the Rapid players unlucky three times when hitting the aluminium.

Early Lead for Rapid

Rapid started powerfully to the delight of over 20,000 fans and immediately posed a threat. However, they initially missed by inches twice. A shot from captain Matthias Seidl hit the post (4.), Mamadou Sangare hit the crossbar (8.), and goalkeeper Leon Pöhls saved a Burgstaller shot (8.). From the resulting corner, the hoped-for early lead was achieved, with defender Cvetkovic blasting the ball into the net for his first European Cup goal (9.).

The team of coach Robert Klauß then completely hemmed in the Irish runners-up. Dion Bello (11.) and Seidl (20.) missed the next top chances, a shot from Bendeguz Bolla missed the target (41.). Shamrock could hardly free themselves and remained completely harmless in the first half.

Equaliser from Shamrock

In the 55th minute and after a counterattack, the Irish team managed to equalise. Johnny Kenny pushed a cross from Joshua Honahan over the line from close range. Instead of a perfect response, the Rapid players hit the aluminium for the third time, a header from Beljo hit the crossbar (58.).

The visitors, who now stand at two wins and two draws, became braver afterwards and were no longer under as much pressure as before the break. Rapid hardly managed to get dangerously into the Irish penalty area. On the other hand, Rapid goalkeeper Niklas Hedl had problems with a shot from Kenny (80.). The match ball for the win was had by substitute Noah Bischof (92.), but his shot was blocked.

Rapid Strong at Home

Rapid, which remained unbeaten in its twelfth home game of the season (nine wins, three draws), now has ten points from four games and goes into the match in Cyprus against Omonia Nikosia (12th December) as fourth in the table. This is followed by the home game against FC Copenhagen (19th December). Despite the unnecessary loss of points, the Hütteldorf team is still on course for direct promotion to the round of 16, which the top eight teams secure. A place in the play-off of ranks 9 to 24 is practically no longer to be taken from them.

(APA/Red)

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