Rapid stuns salzburg again, thorup celebrates second win in a week
Rapid Vienna has delivered a stunning double blow to RB Salzburg, winning twice in a week, igniting a Bundesliga title race that few predicted. The latest upset, a 1-0 victory on Sunday, has Salzburg coach Daniel Beichler searching for answers.
Thorup hails 'great relief' after second triumph over salzburg
Captain Matthias Seidl's free-kick secured the win for Rapid, a result that follows their previous victory just a week earlier. The unexpected turn of events has dramatically reshaped the Bundesliga’s title picture.
“In the first half, we didn’t play well against the ball, let Rapid play too much,” admitted Beichler in an ORF interview. “The second half was inconsistent. Rapid had too many chances. A draw was possible. The red card was annoying, a misunderstanding with Alexander Schlager. We lacked the dominance we intended.”
Rapid coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, however, was ecstatic. “We had a good balance between defense and attack, were better on the ball, and created more opportunities than last week. There has been criticism of Seidl, but he gives everything for the team. This club needs the ambition to compete for the championship. Rapid is capable of becoming champions, and we are working step by step.”
The weekend also saw Sturm Graz defeat Austria Vienna 5-2, further complicating the title race. Austria coach Stephan Helm acknowledged the team’s struggles: “The momentum isn’t on our side. We can lead several times, fall behind, and then get a yellow-red card. We lose our thread, but we’ve shown potential. We have to keep going; there’s so much possible in the remaining nine rounds.”
Sturm coach Fabio Hoeneß, conversely, was pleased with the result: “A crazy game, a spectacle for the fans. We are delighted with this result and will take the momentum. We must be honest; we weren’t good in many phases, yet we won 5-2. We can now clearly show what we want and don't want.” Hoeneß emphasized Sturm’s strong position in the title race, having won the first of ten final matches.
Elsewhere, Carrick addressed Rooney’s comments, seemingly unfazed by the discussion.
(Image: GEPA pictures)