Austria Vienna Celebrates 2:1 Home Victory Against Rapid in Derby

Austria continued their run towards the top of the table, while Rapid is still struggling in the league even in 2025. While the Violets celebrated a 2:1 home victory in the derby on Sunday thanks to incredible efficiency, the Greens went off the field with zero points for the second time in a row despite leading. Austria, tied in points with Sturm Graz and in second place, is already nine points ahead of their arch-rival. Nevertheless, they want to exercise humility at the distribution circle.

Austria Vienna in High Spirits Thanks to Fitz's Masterstroke

Dominik Fitz, dressed in one of the specially made derby winner shirts, spoke of a "brutal mentality and morale." "It was certainly not our best game in terms of play. But we were behind again, came back again because we stick together as a team," said Austria's match-winner. First successful from the penalty spot to make it 1:1 (41st minute), the playmaker added shortly after the break via a free kick. After a foul by Bendegúz Bolla, Fitz curled the ball into the net in an ideal curve. "I thought, if he steps on my feet so stupidly, I'll shoot it into the far corner," said the 25-year-old.

His captain Manfred Fischer spoke of a "masterstroke" and joked: "I've never seen that in training." Aleksandar Dragovic - the defense chief ("I play a derby even with one leg and a 40-degree fever") fought through the match with an injured ankle from the warm-up - recalled the winter break. In January, rumors of Fitz's departure emerged, but he himself declared to stay. "I said: No chance in winter, he has to stay until summer. He is the be-all and end-all for the magic moments," said Dragovic.

First Derby Without Guest Fans

Austria's sporting director Manuel Ortlechner pointed to the bare numbers. Fitz has now scored six goals, and the 25-year-old also has ten assists. Ortlechner: "Statistically, he is the best in Austria in his position." Rapid had reason to lament at the latest after Fitz's second act. The Hütteldorfers took the lead with a spectacular goal by Mamadou Sangare after half an hour but missed the quite possible 2:0. A telling moment was an involuntary header clearance by Dion Beljo on a shot by teammate Isak Jansson.

"We gave it away. After the 1:0, it was really good from us, then we destroyed this starting position. That is very annoying," lamented Robert Klauß. Rapid's coach was also not pleased with referee Julian Weinberger, after he did not classify a supposed offense by Austria's Tin Plavotic on Louis Schaub in the penalty area as a foul at the score of 1:2. Substitute Matthias Seidl saw Austria as fundamentally "cleverer" than his team in one or two situations.

Rapid Coach Klauß Forbids Looking at the Table

While the hosts celebrated, the Green-Whites quickly disappeared into the locker room due to the absence of guest fans. As against WAC (1:3), there were no points at the end despite a lead. In the past eight rounds, the Conference League round of 16 participant has only achieved one full success. "It doesn't help us if we let the game slip twice. We just have to be more focused in every situation," said Seidl.

Rapid's captain also expressed disappointment over his substitute role. "I would have liked to play from the start. But you have to accept the coach's decisions." Klauß did not want to elaborate on his substitutions. He also forbade his players from looking at the table. "We should focus on the performance on the pitch. How do we win games? The game was there to be won, but it's our own fault that we didn't win it," the German stated.

His counterpart Stephan Helm was then allowed to draw a conclusion. The Austria coach also praised Fitz, attesting to the match-winner's good development. Besides his goals and assists, Fitz plays "extremely disciplined, works extremely hard this season. That is very important in modern football and elevates him to the next level." The entire team is also aiming for the next level. "I know the guys are eager to get better. That is our drive," said Helm.

Austria Vienna "Internally Very Ambitious"

When asked about the title ambitions of the cup semi-finalist, he waved it off. "Internally" they are "very ambitious," Helm said, somewhat cryptically. His captain was more explicit. "We don't want to be swayed by any media or people who want to impose something on us regarding the championship title or double or whatever," said Fischer. "I did say that we are ready for a title, but nothing has been achieved yet. We remain down-to-earth and take it week by week, you'll hear this phrase from me all the time now," noted the midfielder. "That has distinguished us and made us strong."

The next chance to prove this is at the weekend in the home game against Salzburg. Rapid will then visit LASK. Another defeat against the Linz team, who are still fighting for the championship group, would be highly unfavorable.

(APA/Red)

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