WAC against Rapid: The fight for the ticket for international business!

WAC against Rapid: The fight for the ticket for international business!

Wolfsberg, Österreich - On April 20, 2025, the 26th round of the Austrian Bundesliga is on the program in which the Wolfsberger AC (WAC) receives SK Rapid Vienna. The WAC currently leads 1-0. This game is of crucial importance, especially for Rapid, which had to take a bitter 1: 4 defeat against Djurgard in the Conference League quarter-finals last week.

The situation for Rapid is tense, because with the current placement in 5th place, it is not enough for a ticket to the international games in the coming season. Should Hartberg win the cup final against WAC, Rapid could continue to do without a European coupling. The WAC, on the other hand, currently occupies the 4th place and is 3 points ahead of Rapid, which increases the requirements for the football club.

The challenges for rapid

coach Robert Klauß emphasized the importance of the points in this phase of the season. He said that it was a challenge to raise the players' minds again after the last week of defeat. Goalkeeper Niklas Hedl hopes for a positive reaction from the team in the upcoming game to improve the situation in the table field and to maintain the opportunity to take part in international participation.

Guido Burgstaller, who is back into the team after a head injury, emphasizes that you have to look ahead despite the defeat. Managing Director Sport Markus Katzer has given the goal of reaching the 3rd place, which is only 5 points away. His assessment shows that there is still hope for an improvement in the remaining 7 games.

the WAC in the favorite role

WAC coach Dietmar Kühbauer understands the challenges of Rapid, but does not believe in weakening the last defeat. He still sees Rapid as a serious opponent. The sporty remains unpredictable, especially in the league, where performance can often fluctuate.

The criteria for placement with the same point clubs are also clearly defined: two clubs are measured on the number of points, the goal difference and the gates achieved. This regulation will have a significant impact on Rapid, how the remaining seasonal games will make to maintain the chance of international business. According to bundesliga.at the following applies: The master of the Admiral Bundesliga begins in the Play-Off to the UEFA Champions League, while the third place in the 2nd qualification round to the UEFA Conference League would start.

The remaining games of this season will be crucial for Rapid to assert themselves compared to the rivals and to achieve the goal of European participation. In a new constellation, where every defeat can have serious effects, both print and motivation for players are enormous.