Rapid Grinds Out Win, Hoff Thorup Has "Higher Expectations"

SK Rapid brings home a 3:1 victory, a desired result, from Andorra. Otherwise, the match primarily gives the impression that there is still a lot to do (Match report>>>).

"First and foremost, we have to appreciate the great support; it's extraordinary so far from home," emphasised Johannes Hoff Thorup after his first European Cup match in Green-White.

He did this primarily to stress: "I'm glad we could give them three goals, because that was the best part of the day. Regarding the performance, there was something I'm not happy with."

Travel and Pitch Conditions Played a Role

Rapid struggled in the small state to live up to their role as favourites, especially on the artificial pitch. "In the first half, we noticed that we had heavy legs," said goalscorer and assist-provider Yusuf Demir, referring to the long journey.

"The opponent made it difficult for us, and perhaps the playing surface also played a small part. We cannot be entirely satisfied with the performance," stated vice-captain Jakob Schöller, who was not yet in the match at that point, citing other reasons.

After the half-time break, at least the scoring touch was found. Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao scored after an assist from Demir; two minutes later, the equalizer followed – before Demir himself restored the lead four minutes later.

Moulaye Haidara, with his first professional goal, only created the two-goal advantage for Wednesday's return leg in the closing stages.

Artificial Pitch Also an Issue in the ÖFB Cup

"Of course, we can be reserved and say that it was the first competitive match of the season under not entirely easy circumstances. But I have higher expectations," Hoff Thorup made unequivocally clear.

For the return leg, the Viennese are now warned about an opponent who does not want to hide and brings higher technical qualities than the classic underdog – even if there should be no doubt about advancing.

In between, another match on artificial turf awaits on Sunday in the first round of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup against SV Wienerberg: "It's not easy on this surface. We have to choose the right players because some feel more comfortable on this surface than others," added the Dane.