Conference League: Rapid Vienna Under Pressure Ahead of Duel with Craiova

On the third matchday of the league phase of the Conference League, the team of coach Peter Stöger will host Universitatea Craiova from Romania on Thursday (21:00/live ServusTV, Sky) at the Weststadion in Hütteldorf. "If we want to be involved next year, it will be necessary for us to score," said Rapid Vienna coach Stöger.

Rapid Vienna still pointless in Conference League after two rounds

Vienna. In the first two rounds, Rapid suffered heavy defeats against Lech Poznań (1:4) and Fiorentina (0:3). However, the Hütteldorf team has stabilized since the home defeat against the Florentines two weeks ago and has returned to the winning path. Especially the 2:1 home victory against champion Sturm Graz on Sunday should provide the necessary self-confidence against the Romanian league third, who also only managed to secure one point (1:1 against FC Noah) in their first two CoL games.

Conference League: Gartler warns against underestimated opponent

"It's a great opportunity for us to make a statement internationally," said goalkeeper Paul Gartler, who does not expect an easy game. "I believe that the opponent and the Romanian league are a bit underestimated by the public. However, in the last international break, Romania still won against our national team (1:0, note)." In the World Cup qualification match on October 12, Craiova's right winger Stefan Baiaram and defensive player Vladimir Screciu were in the Romanian team squad. The 33-year-old Universitatea captain Nicusor Bancu, who has played 49 times for Romania, played through the 1:2 defeat in Austria in June. The perhaps most well-known name at Craiova, which has about half the market value of Rapid, can be found on the coaching bench. Coach Mirel Radoi, as a player (including Steaua, Al-Hilal), made 67 international appearances.

Personnel questions at Rapid Vienna before Conference League

Stöger expects a technically strong opponent with an offensive drive. For the 59-year-old, there are still a few personnel questions to clarify. For instance, Nenad Cvetkovic, Romeo Amane, Furkan Demir, and Martin Ndzie did not train on Tuesday due to minor injuries or illnesses. Who will be available on Thursday remains to be seen. The ill Jannes Horn will definitely be absent. Meanwhile, Gartler is set in goal, having temporarily replaced the recently uncertain Niklas Hedl. "He's doing really well. He has earned a lot of respect from me during the time I've been here," said Stöger, describing Gartler as an "exemplary professional." "He has justified everything so far." The 28-year-old goalkeeper remained modest. "Personally, I don't see myself as the number one in the current situation. It's just that I get to play now, that I've received the trust of the coaching team. I try to give that back as best as I can." In two of his three appearances, Gartler kept a clean sheet, which should also succeed against Craiova.

(APA/Red)

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