Rapid reaches for the lead - LASK under pressure in front of the derby!

Rapid reaches for the lead - LASK under pressure in front of the derby!

Today, on September 21, 2025, the Bundesliga is facing exciting encounters, especially for leaders Rapid Vienna. After the Sunday games of the 7th round, the team could play seven points ahead of the pursuers, provided they win against the bottom of the GAK. Opposite the LASK, which is in difficulties this season and after six games with only three points, landed in eleven. Despite this predicament, LASK coach Joao Sacramento remains optimistic and believes in the long-term process that his team goes through.

"Our players may put too much pressure. It is a mental situation," says Sacramento, who emphasizes that the mental health of his players is of great importance. The LASK has already conceded 13 goals, which is one of the greatest challenges for the team. Captain Sascha Horvath recognizes progress, but also has an eye on his team's individual mistakes.

Rivalry and expectations

The game against Rapid becomes a test stone for the LASK. Rapid is aiming for the sixth competitive game in series, which was last achieved in autumn 2017. Coach Peter Stöger, who trained the Grazer in the past, expects an increase in performance compared to their last encounter in the cup. The anticipation of the game fulfills the fans, as it quickly becomes clear that the GAK is urgently hoping for a sense of achievement after a modest start of the season of only three points. Neo-sports director Tino Wawra calls for a combative improvement of the players.

Altach opposite the GAK, which surprisingly triumphs in third place in the table and with a strong home record. The team has been unbeaten in its own arena for seven games and would like to continue this trend. After another setback, the WSG Tirol has only three points behind Altach and coach Philipp Semlic is optimistic that the past encounters against Altach can set a positive direction.

Focus on mental health

In a completely different context, a study on mental health in football shows interesting results. Lina Citizen, sports psychologist in the TSG Academy, found in a comprehensive investigation that competitive athletes often suffer from depression and anxiety. The study was carried out throughout the 2022/23 season and surveyed 205 players about their psychological symptoms.

Citizens emphasized that mental health is particularly challenging during a football season. Results show that depressive symptoms increase in the course of the season and the fear increases significantly at the beginning of the second half of the season. TSG therefore plans measures to support affected players and would like to systematically increase awareness of this topic in the entire football.

The connection between the mental challenges of the players and the sporting results should not be underestimated. In this way, both in the foreground and in the background are intensively working on promoting the well -being of the athletes in order to exploit their full potential.

For all football fans, the upcoming game between LASK and Rapid Vienna, which takes place on February 23, 2025 in the Waldstadion, will be an experience that promises intensive moments and tactical finesse. The game is transmitted live and free of charge via different channels so that spectators can participate worldwide.

For more information on developments in the league and mental health in football, please visit vienna.at, spolea.blob.core.windows.net and tsg-hoffenheim.de.