After 1: 4 at Arsenal: Rapid does not put his head in the sand

Arsenal were at least too strong a class for Rapid on Thursday. In a Europa League soccer duel between two teams that were not the best, the ‘Gunners’ prevailed 4-1 in front of their own audience (match report). The Hütteldorfer was well served with the result, but had consciously accepted defeat in order to save strength for the next tasks. Next Thursday the “promotion final” awaits Molde at Allianz Stadium.

A 1-0 win is enough for the Viennese to reach the round of 32. However, with each 2: 1 win by a goal difference, the Norwegians who were victorious 3: 1 against Dundalk and are three points ahead would have the best finish for them. “We knew in advance that next week would be the decisive match. Now we know what is enough for us and we will try everything to reach the round of 32 “outside player Thorsten Schick said. Coach Dietmar Kühbauer also hopes to be represented at the European Cup in 2021: “We want to win this game and hibernate in the Europa League.”

Burgenland had changed their starting eleven by seven positions against a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s league derby. Srdjan Grahovac and Filip Stojkovic were saved to avoid a yellow card penalty in the duel with Molde. Rapid’s coach revealed that after the game. Other forces were battered and thus given a break. “Championship and Molde are the most important matches, that’s why the changes took place”Kühbauer explained. For example, forward Deni Alar made his first competitive outing this season and once again defended Richard Strebinger’s goal.

The fast keeper did not look good when Alexandre Lacazette (10th) scored his first goal from almost 30 meters, but then it was a strong support. After conceding more goals from Pablo Mari (18th) and Eddie Nketiah (44th), they went 3-0 at halftime. It is probably also a consequence of the strong turnover. “We didn’t get it in the first half, we weren’t close enough to the man and we didn’t think we could do enough.”, Kühbauer analyzed.

“We are always one step late”: Voices on Rapid’s defeat against Arsenal

Standard goals conceded follow Rapid

Of course, routine defensive back Mario Sonnleitner, who moved toward the team, noticed. “We tried to ease the load, but we couldn’t do it at all. We also try to annoy them, but we are always one step too late. “, the Styric knew. As so often this season, the 0: 2 came after a set piece, this time after a corner kick. “It’s just that this really haunts us. It’s annoying that we don’t defend inactive balls actively enough. “Kühbauer said. Equally annoying was the pass from Mateo Barac, who started the last goal from Emile Smith Rowe (66th). “We just have to defend ourselves much better”, Rapids coach was aware.

Unlike the tight 1: 2 at home, this time scoring points was clearly out of reach. “You could see from the first minute that it is a first-rate international team”Schick said. Midfielder Marcel Ritzmaier also emphasized this: “They have a lot of quality, although they didn’t play with just one team.” Also for this reason, Kühbauer had canceled the batch in advance. “Even with the best cast it would have been very difficult”emphasized the 49-year-old.

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