Rapid Vienna in trouble: Drama before crucial games!

Sunday was anything but ideal for SK Rapid. Before the Bundesliga game against TSV Hartberg, Rapid supporters threw objects at law enforcement officers, which resulted from dissatisfaction with the entry controls. Police responded with pepper spray and batons, which ultimately led to a 45-minute delay to kickoff. Managing director Steffen Hofmann reported on an arrest that triggered the escalation. Although the game ultimately took place, Rapid lost 1-2 to Hartberg, further aggravating the club's situation as they are now in sixth place in the table, level with LASK and just one point ahead of Blau-Weiß Linz, as further from vienna.at reported.

Head coach Robert Klauß was disappointed after the game and stated that the team had shown too little energy and determination. Despite a dominant style of play, there was a lack of clear scoring opportunities. Hartberg took the lead shortly after the break when Rapid were outnumbered, and increased the lead in the 74th minute before Isak Jansson could only reduce the score in the final stages. Klauß demanded more commitment from his team because “too few” players had reached their best. The next games are crucial for the club, as there is a risk of falling into the qualifying group if the SCR does not win against GAK next Sunday. Opposite laola1.at Hofmann explained that the current situation in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Conference League is extremely tense, which is increasing the pressure on the team.

Delicate situation for Rapid

The Rapid fans are obviously dissatisfied with the current performance of the team, which has already lost four of five league games this year. The omens couldn't be worse as they now have to face Banja Luka in the Conference League. A loss this week could jeopardize the entire season. Klauß emphasized that the entire team had to be ready to master the coming week and get back on the road to success. “We all have to stick together and see that we can get this done,” said Hofmann, while the Hütteldorfers continue to fight for their place in the upper play-offs.