Europa League

If promoted: These are Rapid’s possible opponents!

Rapids Lukas Grgic(Bild: GEPA)

Trabzonspor or MFK Ruzomberok are the next possible opponents for SK Rapid on their way to the group stage of the Europa League. If Rapid prevail against Wisla Krakow from Poland in the second round on Thursday (18) and August 1 (20:30) in Hütteldorf, they will face the third-placed team in the Turkish Süperliga or the Slovakian Cup winners on August 8 away and August 15 at home. 

This was the result of the draw for the third EL qualifying round on Monday.

Reunion with Fountas?
Ruzomberok and Trabzonspor will play for promotion on Thursday and August 1, with the seven-time Turkish champions favored. If the team with Turkish team goalkeeper and European Championship participant Ugurcan Cakir, who did not play in Germany, is promoted, Rapid could be reunited with Taxiarchis Fountas. The Greek striker played for the Hütteldorfer from summer 2019 to March 2022.

Season kicks off on Thursday
Rapid take on Krakow on Thursday, with the return leg following a week later in Vienna.

If Rapid manage to advance, they will have to survive two more qualifying rounds before reaching the Europa League group stage. If they are knocked out, last season's Bundesliga runners-up will continue in the qualifiers for the third-tier Conference League.