LASK against Rapid: Final for the last European Cup place!

LASK against Rapid: Final for the last European Cup place!

On May 29, 2025, LASK and Rapid Vienna will fight for the last starting place for the European Cup. This first meeting will take place today at 5 p.m. in Linz. The loser will have to consider the entire 2024/25 season as lost, which increases the pressure on both teams. The situation is tense because there is no clear favorite for this crucial duel. While Rapid performed better in the championship group, LASK showed a dominant performance in the qualification group.

In the last few days, the players from both teams have been preparing for the upcoming “small final”. Unfortunately, Rapid's interim coach, Stefan Kulovits, emphasized that the team needs to be well prepared to take advantage of the chance of qualifying for the European Cup. LASK offensive player Robert Zulj noted that an improvement was necessary to survive against such a strong opponent.

Strategies and expectations

The tension before the game is palpable. Jürgen Säumel, a key LASK player, admitted at a press conference that he felt “caught off guard”. Both coaches know that this crucial game is not just about points, but also about honor and the fans. Winning or losing will ultimately shape the entire season. The teams are well prepared to give everything and win the game.

The second leg of this duel takes place on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Vienna-Hütteldorf. No team should give away the second chance carelessly. The ranking in the league and the points achieved both in the regular round and in the play-offs are crucial for future international competitions. For example, the champion of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga will advance to the UEFA Champions League, while winning the European Cup play-offs will lead to participation in the UEFA Conference League.

Rankings and placement decisions

According to the rules for placing clubs with equal points, the final position will be judged by various criteria. This includes in particular the goal difference and the goals scored in direct duels. The teams are aware of this and know that every single decision could matter in crucial moments. According to the established criteria, the number of wins or away wins could also be decisive.

Football fans can expect an all-important duel in Linz, which will not only decide the final European Cup starting place, but will also shape the general mood and expectations for the coming season. The anticipation is palpable for everyone involved - and the entire league is looking forward to this match.

For detailed information about this exciting play-off game, please visit the website Laola1, courier and Bundesliga.at.