Rapid must clear LASK out of the way for European Cup starting spot
LASK and Rapid are playing to save the season. In the duel of the disappointed, the winner is promised the last European Cup starting place, while for the loser, the 2024/25 season will go down in history as a lost year. Part one of the encounter takes place on Thursday (5:00 PM/live on Sky) in Linz. A favorite is not discernible. Rapid has operated at a higher level in the championship group, while the Linzers have dominated the qualification group.
Rapid sees "small final"
"It is a small final after the somewhat botched season we had. We still have chances to qualify for the European Cup," said Stefan Kulovits. Rapid's interim coach probably also spoke to the Linzers' hearts. The winner can enter the Conference League qualification (2nd round) in July and hope for additional income. It is important to "turn the lights up once more," as Kulovits emphasized after a long season. The return match in Vienna will take place on Sunday (5:00 PM).
Rapid's opponents in the championship group had significantly more prominent names than those of LASK. Nevertheless, they do not want to be deceived by this. "LASK is a top team. Even if they played in the lower play-off, they marched through it," Kulovits clarified. The Linzers spoke of a different intensity that Rapid has been accustomed to in recent weeks. "We have to be ready and step it up a notch so that we can prevail," said offensive player Robert Zulj.
LASK: "Focus on ourselves"
For both coaches, these are the last appearances as "chiefs" on the sidelines for the time being. At Rapid, Peter Stöger will take the helm in preparation, while at LASK, the name of the new tactician has not yet been announced. Maximilian Ritscher, like Kulovits, is heading into his final double as interim coach. Avoiding mistakes and sticking to their own line was Ritscher's directive. "We focus on ourselves and then the likelihood is high that we will win games," said the 31-year-old.
After the semifinal against Hartberg on Monday, LASK has to cope with a higher load. "Now it's about pushing through until Sunday, putting aside the little aches and pains, so that everyone leaves their heart on the field for the team, the teammates, and the fans," emphasized Ritscher.
LASK with Streaks
The Linz team hopes for support from the stands despite the active fan scene's mood boycott scheduled until the end of the season. At home, the athletes have been performing exceptionally well since the beginning of the year. They are unbeaten in nine consecutive games, and in the last six, LASK has not conceded a goal. The record against Rapid is also impressive. Black and White ended the last eight duels with Green and White unbeaten, achieving four victories in the most recent five home games against Rapid.
The guests, however, are putting the statistics aside on Thursday. "We also didn't win for a long time at Austria, didn't win against Sturm," Kulovits recalled past successes. "We want to achieve a good result. That's how we start the game." Likely with Nenad Cvetkovic in defense, after the Serb made his comeback in Salzburg recently. Lukas Grgic could also be back, while Mamadou Sangare will only return to training at the end of the week.
Farewell to Burgstaller
Guido Burgstaller is announcing his retirement from professional football, having scored once in each of the last three matches. He will face LASK captain Philipp Ziereis, whose time in Linz is also coming to an end. Apart from the long-term injured, all players are available for LASK.
(APA/Red)
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