Victory against Sturm! Rapid remains flawless in the league

After their international disappointment, Rapid secured a 3-1 victory against Sturm Graz on the fifth matchday of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.

The opening phase was particularly goal-rich. For the Viennese, it's their fourth success in their fourth league match.

The match started directly with a moment of excitement. Heil brought Haidara down (3'), resulting in a penalty. Demir stepped up and converted into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the season.

Three Goals in Ten Minutes

After a prolonged period of possession for Rapid, it became dangerous on the other side after ten minutes. First, Koller missed after a corner kick, then Beganovic broke through following good preliminary work from Hödl and Simon Seidl, making it 1-1 (10').

The opening phase remained turbulent. Hödl had the ball dispossessed during build-up play, which then went to Tilio. The Rapid player remained calm in front of Helac and put his team 2-1 up.

Rapid failed to convert further chances through Demir (24'), Tilio (35'), and Adamsen (35'), and Simon Seidl (41') also couldn't get the ball into the net.

Hedl Fortunate After Blunder

Subsequently, the Hütteldorfers were lucky. Hedl hit teammate Raux-Yao with a goal kick. The ball rebounded off him. The goalkeeper ran back and was able to prevent the Graz equaliser at the last moment.

After Haidara twice appeared dangerously in front of Helac during first-half stoppage time, but was stopped by the goalkeeper, the Hütteldorfers went into the changing rooms with a 2-1 lead.

The first good opportunity after the break fell to Graz. Vallci came unchallenged to a header after a corner kick, but it was too central, and Hedl was well-positioned (52'). A little later, the Rapid goalkeeper also distinguished himself against Simon Seidl.

Sturm Dictates Play in Second Half

Fabio Ingolitsch's team pressed high, and Bajlicz lost the ball in front of his own goal. However, Weiper could not capitalise on this mistake (62'). Graz repeatedly got in front of the goal, but a header from Weiper also missed the target (64').

Rapid found it difficult to launch relieving attacks during this phase. Mamageishvili had too much space, and from distance, the ball went just a few centimetres wide of the goal (72'). From the 73rd minute, Rapid could count on captain Matthias Seidl, who had started on the bench.

Rapid With Pace in Closing Stages

Against the run of play, the Viennese almost made it 3-1. Sturm managed to clear at the last moment. The action seemed to give the team renewed momentum. Helac had to intervene against Dahl, who tried his luck from distance (82').

In the 86th minute, Dahl then sealed the deal. He was barely challenged, made a feint, and scored a spectacular goal into the right corner.

Vallci Sees Red

There was another moment of excitement in the 90th minute. Vallci was shown red after having to hold back Kara as the last man. That was it in Hütteldorf. Rapid secured a 3-1 victory against Sturm Graz.

In the table, the Viennese remain in first place after the win, level on points with LASK. Sturm is currently in third place.