Rapid Vienna on the rise: fight against Sturm Graz and title hopes!

Rapid Vienna on the rise: fight against Sturm Graz and title hopes!

Rapid Vienna has experienced an impressive turning point in the last few days. After five defeats in a row, the team was recently able to record two decisive victories, including a 2-0 win against SV Ried, which was celebrated as the first victory in the Bundesliga. With this success, Rapid moves within one point of leaders Sturm Graz, which gives the team under coach Peter Stöger new hope. Stöger emphasizes that the victory brings calm to the team and that the team is functioning increasingly more stable. The performances of Nikolaus Wurmbrand, who scored the opening goal, and goalkeeper Paul Gartler, who proved to be a stable support, were particularly praised. Gartler, who replaced Niklas Hedl as starting goalkeeper, emphasizes that his goal is to give the team stability.

For the upcoming duel against Sturm Graz, which is considered the game of games, 22,000 tickets had already been sold by Friday afternoon. Coach Stöger is thrilled by the great interest of the fans and wants to do justice to it. Sturm Graz have been dubbed the “best team in Austria” after boasting an impeccable away record. Under coach Jürgen Säumel, Sturm only has a modest record in the last matches against Rapid: they only managed one win in eight duels.

The starting position before the duel

The tension before the game against Sturm Graz is immense. Stöger's team is expected to start the game again with a three-man chain in order to improve defensive stability. Säumel, who emphasizes the intensity of the game, wants his team to take points from Hütteldorf. The duel promises to be an intense battle, especially given the current form of both teams.

Compared to Rapid, Red Bull Salzburg also shows strong performances. They are unbeaten in the league for four games and prevailed in the cup against WSG Tirol with a 3-1 win after 120 minutes. Coach Thomas Letsch emphasizes the importance of regeneration, while promoted Ried, who reached the Cup quarter-finals, remains confident and is praised by coach Maximilian Senft as one of the best newcomers.

More teams in shape and challenges

The WAC also has a task against WSG Tirol. WAC coach Peter Pacult calls for more determination from his team, but also warns about the strong performance of the Tyroleans, who fought until extra time in the last round in Salzburg.

Overall, the league is exciting and dynamic. Rapid Vienna have made up ground with recent successes and could build momentum with another win against Sturm Graz, while other teams including Salzburg and WAC are also in a strong position.

Further information about Rapid Vienna's statistics can be found at kicker.de.