The recovery time for the players of SK Rapid Wien was 44 hours before the Europa League Play-Off Final first leg against SK Sturm Graz. No ideal preparation and the weather – compared to the last few days unusually hot – Rapid did not play in the cards. In the end, Rapid lost the lead despite being guided 1: 2 and is thus standing with his back to the wall. On Sunday there will be a return match between Sturm Graz and Rapid Wien in the Merkur Arena!
The second leg in the Merkur Arena will actually be the last professional game of the season 2018/19. For one last time we have to forget the hardships of the last few weeks and months and reward ourselves with the ticket to Europe. For both teams this would be a small consolation for a season that by no means meets their own expectations. After the first leg Sturm Graz will definitely have the advantage in the fight for Europe. The bookmakers even see in the return match Sturm Graz against Rapid Wien, according to current rates slightly ahead. The game starts on Sunday at 16 pm.
Sturm Graz:
Before the first leg on Thursday Roman Mählich gave a remarkable interview. After the critic was criticized because of his sprayed optimism in the public, he showed understanding for the displeasure of the fans and the threat that any support in the two play-off games will be missed. Even after the victory in the Allianz Arena Mählich did not want to call the season as satisfactory in the case of the Europa League ticket. In the fall, the results were still fit, but the performance was disappointing throughout the season. After the successes have failed in the spring, the criticism was always larger.
Thanks to the away win and the two goals Sturm Graz opened the door to the Europa League. However, the Blackies must not feel safe, because the home weakness can not be denied. The Grazer have all lost the last five home games. However, the result in three of these five home defeats would have been enough to be represented internationally in 2019/20. Due to the weak results at home between Sturm Graz and Rapid Wien, however, a prognosis on the home win is difficult to understand.
Personnel Roman Mählich must renounce for a curious reason on center-back Anastasios Avlonitis. The 29-year-old Greek marries at the weekend in his native Athens, the date of the play-off game he was not aware of the wedding planning.
Rapid Vienna:
Game number four within only nine days will then be the last match of the season for Austrian champions SK Rapid Wien. In spite of defeat, the performance was quite satisfactory in view of the extremely short regeneration time. In addition, this defeat was definitely avoidable, the guests were by no means the better team, but had a bit of luck on their side.
Unlucky in the game was the only 17-year-old Leo Greiml, who came in the first half for the injured Mario Sonnleitner in the game. He not only owed the penalty to 1: 1, but he also underwent an own goal. Nevertheless, Greiml received praise from all sides for an outstanding match, as he hardly lost a duel. The fact that a 17-year-old has to make his debut in such an important match shows how thin the staffing level is. But Maximilian Hofmann will probably return for the return game and will take over Sonnleitner Platz.
It is clear from the first leg result that Rapid Wien will have to score at least two goals in the Merkur Arena on Sunday afternoon. Positive is certainly the fact that the offensive of the Green-Whites in the foreign so far could present far more dangerous than at home. Six away wins were celebrated this season, with four victories the result would have been enough to bring Rapid to Europe. This is certainly an interesting option for the homecoming of the Blackies!
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1,46
