Home win! Rapid confidently secures UECL Playoff spot

Rapid won the return leg against Paide Linnameeskond 2-0, advancing with an aggregate score of 6-1 to the playoff for a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

With a 4-1 lead from the first leg, a heavily rotated Rapid team started rather relaxed. The Green-Whites accumulated plenty of possession but rarely penetrated the danger zone. Wurmbrand was the first to be denied at the near post by Paide goalkeeper Jarju (9'), while Tilio tested the towering Gambian several times from long range (21', 34').

VAR intervenes on offside call

In the 38th minute came the breakthrough: Wurmbrand was sent deep on the left and sprinted forward, his square pass narrowly missed by Haidara. But Tilio was at the far post, and the Australian slotted it in. The celebration didn't last long, however, as the goal was disallowed on the pitch due to Wurmbrand's marginal offside position. After a lengthy consultation with the VAR, referee Denys Shurman eventually overturned the offside decision, Tillio's goal stood, and Rapid led 1-0.

After the break, Rapid pressed high for long periods but continued to create few clear-cut chances. Haidara (55') and Schaub (66') were again thwarted by Jarju in the Paide goal. In the 73rd minute, Rapid's defense made a blunder, allowing Anier to surge almost alone towards goalkeeper Hedl, who denied the Estonians' best chance with a foot save.

Sealing Goal from the Spot

When Wurmbrand was fouled on the edge of the box, VAR intervened again. A penalty was awarded to Rapid, and Schaub stepped up to the spot. Jarju got a hand to it but couldn't save it.

The 2-0 scoreline was also the final result, as Rapid advanced with an aggregate score of 6-1 to the next qualifying round of the Conference League. Heart of Midlothian is most likely awaiting them there.

The Scots had already faced SK Sturm in the second CL qualifying round but were clearly outmatched there (aggregate score: 0-6).