In Istanbul The start of the newly formed Conference League kicked off. For Louis Schaub The game at Basaksehir brought a return to old strength. The returnee with the nickname “Euro-Louis” led Rapid to a deserved one 2:1-Sieg.
A striking number of children watched because the Turks fought the otherwise almost empty home with a free campaign at the schools in the Basaksehir district. 550 Rapid fans and therefore 7,000 supporters of the “Erdogan Club”, which had become a permanent guest in the European Cup with support from politicians, gathered in the chic Fatih Terim Stadium.
Rapid started with the line-up for the derby and the 1-1 draw against LASK. Basaksehir also started as expected, in an offensive 4-1-4-1 with free spirit Figueiredo and star striker Piatek at the front.
Kulovits as boss
While Robert Klauß had to serve his ban in a separate UEFA area (in order not to communicate with the bank), the assistant coaches Stefan Kulovits and Thomas Kraus shared the coaching work. The more experienced Kulovits gave No. 1 at the line.
Coach Atan described the guests as the top 8 team in the competition. At the beginning only the oranges were in the picture. With the best opportunity, Gürler hit the crossbar (5th). With the first combination of the Viennese, who had to adapt to the unfamiliar man coverage, the constant pressure ended.
After Seidl’s pass, Burgstaller hit the near corner. But the VAR confirmed an extremely close offside position (13th). After Beljo won the ball, Grgic shot – saved (18th). Four minutes later the ball was won again far forward, Beljo shot poorly with his weaker right foot. It was an intense game going back and forth.
A risky but strong Sangare trick started the move to make it 0-1. Louis Schaub’s shot was even better. As with his legendary goal against Ajax in 2015, the technician moved inside to send a curling shot straight into the far corner (39′).
The joy of Schaub’s first goal since his return, his 17th in the European Cup, only lasted a short time. After a cross into the center, the little Grgic had to go against the strong header Krzysztof Piatek. The Pole prevailed, headed into the corner and, like at the European Championships against Austria, was able to celebrate a goal (45th + 2).
Schaub’s double pack
In the second half it was clear that “Euro-Louis is finally back. After just 56 seconds and a Burgstaller pass, Louis Schaub scored again with his left. With the 1:2, the European Cup specialist has equaled Hans Krankl’s goal tally in green.
A strong save from Dilmen prevented Beljo from making it 1:3 (50′). What followed against the advancing home side was the quick combination of Rapidler’s chances: Beljo (58th) and Burgstaller (60th) failed to find the goal in front of Dilmen alone.
It only played rapid. And after a Seidl pass, Beljo scored his overdue goal – but to everyone’s surprise, the 1:3 didn’t count. Another close VAR offside (72′).
Bitter: Sangare, who was convincing again, had to go out injured and the defense was strengthened. With what was initially the only chance to equalize, Bolla saved with all his might (89′).
At the end of eight minutes of stoppage time, Hedl held on to win against Piatek.
Everyday league life awaits in Altach on Sunday.