LASK secures important point in Vienna

Head coach Markus Schopp made three changes to the starting lineup compared to last week's 4-2 home win over GAK. Filip Stojkovic, Maksym Talovierov, and Sascha Horvath started the match, replacing Melayro Bogarde, Hrvoje Smolcic, and Marco Sulzner. The early phase of the game belonged to Rapid, who controlled possession without creating significant chances. On the other side, LASK had the first real opportunity when Marin Ljubicic, following a cross from George Bello, was denied by goalkeeper Niklas Hedl from close range in the 10th minute.

LASK started to find their rhythm, with a clear strategy when playing without the ball. Moses Usor and Marin Ljubicic led the pressing upfront, while Robert Zulj, Horvath, Branko Jovicic, and Valon Berisha worked to close down the spaces behind them. At times, the pressing line was adjusted further back. The plan initially worked, as despite having more possession, Rapid rarely threatened with clear chances. The only notable effort came from Jonas Auer, who struck the side netting after 20 minutes. However, the 27th minute brought a bitter blow: Rapid were allowed to cross unchallenged from the midfield, and an unmarked Guido Burgstaller headed in to make it 1-0 for Rapid. Just before the halftime whistle, Ljubicic set up teammate Berisha in a promising position, but Berisha couldn't control the ball properly.

In the second half, the Black and Whites got off to a perfect start. Less than a minute in, Berisha won the ball in the opposing box and passed it to Zulj, who turned and fired a left-footed shot into the net to make it 1-1. It was the captain's second league goal of the season, having also scored three times recently in the ÖFB Cup. What followed was a tense, closely contested match. Both teams created promising situations but struggled to finish them, resulting in few clear-cut chances.

After 70 minutes, coach Schopp made his first substitutions, bringing on Melayro Bogarde for the midfield and Maximilian Entrup, who was making his second appearance for the team, to bolster the attack. Ibrahim Mustapha also came on for his second appearance after his Cup comeback. Before that, LASK had a bit of luck on their side when a powerful shot from Burgstaller struck the post and bounced back into play. Seven minutes before the final whistle, Nikolaus Wurmbrand missed a golden opportunity, shooting wide after a defensive error by LASK. In the end, the game ended 1-1, marking the fourth consecutive draw between the two teams in Hütteldorf. LASK remains unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Rapid.

SK Rapid – LASK 1:1 (1:0)
Allianz Stadion, 21,300 spectators, Referee: Jäger
Goals: 1-0 Burgstaller (27’), 1-1 Zulj (46’)
Yellow cards: Raux Yao; Ljubicic, Stojkovic

LASK lineup: Siebenhandl – Stojkovic, Ziereis, Talovierov, Bello – Horvath, Jovicic (70’ Bogarde) – Usor, Zulj (C/78’ Mustapha), Berisha – Ljubicic (70’ Entrup)