Victory overshadowed

Rapid outclasses Austria – Georg Koch injured

Champions Rapid took the lead in the tipp3-Bundesliga with a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Austria in the 286th Vienna derby on Sunday. Branko Boskovic (5., 57.) was the main scorer for the second home win in a row for the Green-Whites against Austria, Steffen Hofmann (81.) provided the final goal. The match was overshadowed by an unsightly incident after Rapid's opening goal: a firecracker thrown from the Austria fan sector exploded right in front of Rapid goalkeeper Georg Koch. The German had to be carried off the pitch with hearing trauma. The derby was even briefly called off.

The game began with plenty of excitement. Maierhofer (2) headed just over the goal shortly after kick-off, Boskovic did better just three minutes later, heading the ball into the net after a Dober cross. Emotions then ran high in the sold-out Hanappi Stadium. 

Firecracker against Koch
A firecracker thrown from the Austria fan sector exploded directly in front of Rapid keeper Koch. The German suffered hearing trauma and a circulatory collapse. He had to be carried off the pitch and was immediately treated with infusions. The game was interrupted for six minutes, with a stoppage hanging in the air. It was probably thanks to Hofmann that the game continued. The Rapid captain agreed to continue playing. Koch was replaced by Hedl. According to Rapid manager Werner Kuhn, a suspect was arrested immediately after the final whistle. Bundesliga board member Georg Pangl explained that the possible fines would be up to 50,000 euros for the organizing club and up to 10,000 euros for the visiting club.

Austria too passive in the first half
Even after the involuntary break, Pacult's team proved to be clearly superior on the pitch, while the purple-clad visitors, who had to do without defender Schiemer (calf strain) just before kick-off, merely reacted. Majstorovic (26') saved just ahead of Hoffer, and after a lob into the penalty area, the team striker also put his second great chance (33') just wide of Safar's goal. The Austria goalkeeper was also on hand to deal with free-kicks from Dober (39) and Hofmann (44).

Diabang was left hanging in the air in the Violets' ranks, partly because Bazina kept dropping back into midfield. Coach Karl Daxbacher soon sent on Rubin Okotie, who had been struggling recently, to warm up. Shortly before the break, Austria had a huge chance to equalize out of nowhere, but Hedl turned a Diabang shot for a corner after an ideal assist from ex-Rapidler Bazina.

Bak error leads to preliminary decision
With his team's poor performance in mind, Daxbacher sent on Okotie after the break to replace captain Blanchard, who was colourless on his Bundesliga comeback. With a second real striker, the Violets seemed to get a better grip on the game. Diabang (48') and Hattenberger (52') failed to score with headers before a student-like mistake by defensive boss Bak decided the game for Rapid. The experienced Pole allowed Hofmann to take the ball from him on the touchline and Boskovic, who had already scored three goals in the Cup, converted his pass in front of Safar to make it 2-0.

Austria failed to muster any resistance in the final half hour and conceded a third goal. Substitute Drazan (80') missed another opportunity, but Hofmann did better shortly afterwards to make it 3-0. Austria coach Daxbacher was left shaking his head at his team's performance in his first derby in the dugout. Austria will continue their UEFA Cup qualifying campaign against WIT Tbilisi on Thursday.

Rapid now top of the table
With their 3-0 win, Rapid overtook previous leaders Sturm Graz. Although the Styrians have the same goal difference, Rapid have scored more goals (18 to 13 for Rapid). The reigning champions from Hütteldorf increased their derby record to 119 Rapid victories with 63 draws and 104 Austria successes.