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 Coach Robert Klauß Following Rapid Vienna’s Victory Over FC Petrocub Hincesti**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Klauß. Congratulations on your team’s impressive 3-0 win against FC Petrocub Hincesti. What are your thoughts on the match?
**Coach Klauß:** Thank you! I’m very pleased with the performance. The team executed our game plan well, especially in the first half. We created several chances and took our opportunities, which is crucial in these types of matches.
**Interviewer:** Bendeguz Bolla and Guido Burgstaller were the standout performers today, scoring the goals for your team. How vital was their contribution to the victory?
**Coach Klauß:** Absolutely vital. Bendeguz’s goal set the tone for us, and Guido’s ability to find the back of the net twice in the second half showed his quality and experience. However, while I’m thrilled with their performances, we’re concerned about the injuries they sustained during the game.
**Interviewer:** Yes, that’s a significant concern. Both Bolla and Dion Beljo left the pitch injured. Can you provide an update on their conditions?
**Coach Klauß:** From what I can gather, Bolla has a groin issue, and we’ll need to run tests to assess the full extent of his injury. Dion’s injury appears to be related to the pitch itself, which is unfortunate. We’ll monitor them closely and hope they’re able to recover quickly.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, your team is in a solid position in the group stage. With nine points from three matches, how do you plan to maintain this momentum?
**Coach Klauß:** It’s important to stay focused. While we’ve had a good start, there are still many matches ahead. Our next challenge is against Shamrock Rovers at home in the Conference League, and we must approach each game with the same intensity and professionalism. Additionally, we need to get points in the Bundesliga, starting with our match against Austria Klagenfurt on Sunday.
**Interviewer:** how are you planning to adjust the squad if Bolla and Beljo are sidelined for an extended period?
**Coach Klauß:** We’ll adapt. We’ve got a deep squad, and it’s important to have players ready to step up when called upon. Injuries are part of football, and this can be an opportunity for other players to prove themselves. We trust in our depth and will make sure everyone remains focused and prepared.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Coach Klauß. We wish you and the team a speedy recovery for the injured players and continued success in the upcoming matches.
**Coach Klauß:** Thank you! I appreciate the support.
