SK Rapid in crisis: Is the worst start in history sealed?

SK Rapid in crisis: Is the worst start in history sealed?

SK Rapid Vienna is in deep crisis! After the defeat against LASK on February 24, 2025, Rapid suffered their third defeat in the third Bundesliga game of the new year. This represents a historic low, as no team has ever started so poorly after the winter break in the league's 51-year history. The game in the Raiffeisen Arena ended 1-2, with the decisive goal for LASK only coming in the 78th minute with a spectacular long-range shot from George Bello, after Christoph Lang took the lead in the 31st minute weltfussball.at reported.

Despite a committed start and a dominating first half hour, the Viennese team did not find the composure and efficiency to convert their chances into goals. Robert Klauß, the Rapid coach, put it: “It’s a shitty phase.” His players are struggling to find form and their individual mistakes keep leading to goals being conceded. Paul Gartler, who started in goal for that game, also spoke about the team's frustration but stressed the need not to be discouraged by the mistakes. Andrija Radulović's goal in stoppage time came too late to turn the game around, which was the conclusion of the final minutes of the game according to laola1.at.

A look at the statistics

With this defeat, Rapid slips to 5th place in the table and faces a downward trend, while LASK climbs to 6th place. The Viennese now urgently need to get back on the road to success, as the championship group is within reach. The upcoming home games against Altach and GAK as well as the away appearance in Hartberg are crucial for the turnaround of the season. Klauss remains optimistic, but the team must minimize their mistakes and gain self-confidence as quickly as possible in order to achieve success in the remaining games.