[ad_1]
Between the inglorious appearance at Arsenal and the decision to move up in the Europa League against Molde, Rapid convinces in a fighting game at Hartberg.
With a convincing performance, Rapid made up ground in the top-of-the-table three-way battle in the Bundesliga on Sunday and gained confidence for the decisive Europa League match. Hütteldorfer won 3-1 at Hartberg, being two points behind new leader LASK and one point behind champion Red Bull Salzburg. On Thursday they can improve a strong autumn against Molde.
Coach Dietmar Kühbauer had rotated against Arsenal, used many players from the second row and received criticism after 1: 4. The first part of the calculation worked. With new strength and almost the best lineup, Rapid showed great performance over long stretches with efficiency in front of goal and strong defensive work.
“We knew about the quality of the Hartbergers, but we still managed to never let them come into play,” Kühbauer said with satisfaction. “At Hartberg we know very well that we have to be strong mentally as well as our physical abilities. The boys did quite well,” said the coach, who hopes Taxiarchis Fountas will be back in shape on Thursday.
Fast forward Kara: “We accept the fight”
The Verdiblancos presented themselves prepared for the international challenge, at the national level they have been as successful in the autumn as they were five years ago. 21 points after ten rounds is the best result since 2015, more than the current 25 goals that were scored in the same period 33 years ago.
Kelvin Arase and Ercan Kara showed why at Hartberg. The two offensive players took the first two chances (2nd, 35th) for a 2-0 lead, Arase also got the final score (66th). “My goal was actually one goal. I’m even more delighted that there are two,” said Arase, beaming in the “Sky” interview, highlighting the team’s mentality. “Because we had laps very often in English now, it was a great effort, especially in the head. We just tried to get ahead and take the lead quickly.
Kara scored her already damaged goal. He had lost a tooth and a half in the 22nd minute in a clash with Bakary Nimaga, who saw yellow for this action and had to leave the field with yellow-red in the 44th minute. “We knew it was going to be a difficult match, very fighter We accept the fight. I am missing a tooth and a half, but I have an assist and a goal, “said Kara in the” Sky “interview.
What