Conference League

LIVE from 18:45: Rapid takes on CS Petrocub

Rapid celebrate a 3:0 win against FC Petrocub.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

SK Rapid remain unblemished in the Conference League and can plan for a winter in the European Cup. Coach Robert Klauß' team won 3:0 (1:0) against FC Petrocub Hincesti in the Moldovan capital Chisinau on Thursday. It was the third win in the third round for the Viennese side, and with nine points they are practically guaranteed a place in the knockout phase of the competition. The Green-Whites also have a good chance of advancing directly to the round of 16.

Bendeguz Bolla (13') and Guido Burgstaller scored a brace (53', 79') to give the Hütteldorfer a deserved victory. Rapid were thus able to celebrate a successful match premiere in the Republic of Moldova, which, however, also brought two downsides. Goalscorer Bolla (groin) and goalgetter Dion Beljo suffered serious injuries.

Klauß fielded the same starting eleven at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau as last Saturday's 1-1 draw in Graz against champions Sturm. And they started the game well. While a shot from Beljo after a Bolla cross was blocked at the last moment (12'), the lead was taken less than 60 seconds later. After a fine combination via Matthias Seidl and Beljo, the ball landed in Bolla's path and the Hungarian smashed the ball under the crossbar with his left foot.

Bolla out injured
However, Bolla was not able to enjoy his first goal in a Rapid shirt for long. The 24-year-old right-back suffered an unintended injury and had to leave the pitch, with Benjamin Böckle replacing him (39'). Petrocub got into the game better after going behind, but it became increasingly scrappy. Good chances were few and far between on both sides, with Mihai Lupan having the best one for the hosts, whose shot was deflected just wide of Niklas Hedl's goal (36').

The second half began like the first, with Rapid in control. Beljo initially missed the 2:0 with a header (50'). Burgstaller made it 2-0 with a turning shot after opponent Ion Jardan had involuntarily laid the ball on for him. Shortly afterwards, the game was also over for Beljo, the striker got stuck in the turf and had to come off injured (55').

Here are the best pictures:

Petrocub now made an effort to score the equalizer, but the visitors had the better opportunities. Louis Schaub hit the crossbar (75'), Burgstaller finally scored with a spectacular lob. The goal was initially disallowed due to an alleged offside, but the VAR reversed the decision of the Bosnian referee team led by Antoni Bandic. As a result, the Moldovan double winners also suffered a clear defeat in their third match.

Rapid now face a home game against Irish record champions Shamrock Rovers from Dublin in the Conference League in three weeks' time. First, however, it's all about Bundesliga points against Austria Klagenfurt in Hütteldorf on Sunday. This will be followed by the last international break of the year.

The final standings:

FC Petrocub Hincesti - SK Rapid 0:3 (0:1)
Chisinau, Stadionul Zimbru, SR Bandic/BIH

Goals: 0:1 (13.) Bolla, 0:2 (53.) Burgstaller, 0:3 (79.) Burgstaller

Petrocub: Smalenea - I. Jardan, Mudrac, Potirniche, Bors - S. Platica (81. V. Jardan), Lungu (89. Diallo), Douanla, Puscas (63. Demian) - Ambros (81. Nihaev), Lupan (63. Caruntu)

Rapid: N. Hedl - Bolla (39. Böckle), Cvetkovic, Raux-Yao, Auer - Schaub, Sangare, Lu. Grgic (81. Gale), M. Seidl (60. Kaygin) - Burgstaller (81. Wurmbrand), Beljo (60. Bischof)

Yellow card: Bors