2024-11-07 21:40:00
SK Rapid remains flawless in the Conference League and can plan to spend the winter in the European Football Cup. Coach Robert Klauß’s team won 3-0 (1-0) against FC Petrocub Hincesti in the Moldovan capital Chisinau on Thursday. It was the Viennese’s third win in the third round, and with nine points they are virtually certain to advance to the knockout phase of the competition. The Green-Whites also have a good chance of making it directly to the round of 16.
Bendeguz Bolla (13th) and Guido Burgstaller scored a brace (53rd, 79th) to give the Hütteldorfers a deserved victory. Rapid was able to look forward to a successful match premiere in the Republic of Moldova, which, however, also brought with it two downsides. Goalscorer Bolla (groin) and goalgetter Dion Beljo sustained serious injuries.
Klauß used the same starting eleven in the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau as he did last Saturday in the 1-1 draw in Graz against champions Sturm. And she got into the game well. Although Beljo’s shot from Bolla’s cross was initially blocked at the last moment (12′), the lead was achieved less than 60 seconds later. After a nice combination via Matthias Seidl and Beljo, the ball landed at Bolla, the Hungarian smashed the ball under the crossbar with his left.
However, Bolla couldn’t be happy for long about his first goal in the Rapid jersey. The 24-year-old right-back was injured without any external influence and had to leave the field; Benjamin Böckle came on for him (39′). Petrocub got into the game better after going behind, but it became increasingly disjointed. Good chances were few and far between on both sides, the best for the hosts was Mihai Lupan, whose shot deflected past Niklas Hedl’s goal (36′).
The second half started like the first, Rapid was in control. Beljo initially missed the 2-0 with his head (50th). Burgstaller did this with a shot on the move after opponent Ion Jardan involuntarily laid the ball on him. Shortly afterwards the game was over for Beljo, the striker got stuck in the grass and had to go out injured (55th).
Petrocub now tried to score the next goal, but the visitors had the better opportunities. Louis Schaub hit the crossbar (75th), Burgstaller finally scored with a lob that was worth seeing. The goal was initially denied recognition because it was supposed to be offside, but the VAR revised the decision of the Bosnian referee team around referee Antoni Bandic. This meant that the Moldovan double winner also suffered a clear defeat in the third game.
In the Conference League, Rapid’s home game against the Irish record champions Shamrock Rovers from Dublin is now on the program in three weeks. First of all, it’s all about Bundesliga points on Sunday in Hütteldorf against Austria Klagenfurt. Then there is the last international break of the year.
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**Interview with SK Rapid Coach Robert Klauß Following the 3-0 Victory Against FC Petrocub Hincesti**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on a great performance, Coach Klauß! Your team remains perfect in the UEFA Conference League. How does it feel to start the tournament with three consecutive wins?
**Robert Klauß:** Thank you! It feels fantastic. The players have worked incredibly hard to achieve this, and I’m proud of their dedication and teamwork. Winning three in a row puts us in a strong position as we look forward to the knockout stages.
**Interviewer:** The match against FC Petrocub Hincesti was a solid win, especially with a score of 3-0. What were your thoughts on the team’s performance?
**Robert Klauß:** I thought our performance was very disciplined. We executed our game plan well, and the players displayed great chemistry on the pitch. We moved the ball quickly and created several scoring opportunities that translated into goals.
**Interviewer:** Bendeguz Bolla scored the first goal, and Guido Burgstaller had a brace. How crucial are these players to your strategy moving forward?
**Robert Klauß:** Both Bolla and Burgstaller have been instrumental for us. Bolla’s energy and creativity add dynamism to our attack, while Burgstaller’s experience and finishing ability give us confidence in front of goal. It’s essential to have such players stepping up in key moments.
**Interviewer:** Unfortunately, the match wasn’t without its downsides, with injuries to Bolla and Dion Beljo. How do you plan to manage these situations going forward?
**Robert Klauß:** Injuries are always a concern, and it’s disappointing to lose key players, especially when they are performing so well. We’ll need to assess their conditions closely and adapt our training and strategies accordingly. This gives opportunities for other players to step up, and I have faith in our squad’s depth.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, with nine points in the group stage, how do you feel about your chances of advancing to the knockout phase?
**Robert Klauß:** With this win, we are in a strong position, but we can’t afford to get complacent. Every match is critical, and we must maintain our focus and effort. Our goal is to secure our place in the knockout stage, and if we continue to play as a cohesive unit, I believe we have a good chance.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Klauß, and best of luck in the upcoming matches!
**Robert Klauß:** Thank you very much! We appreciate the support.
