Claudy Mbuyi nets 26‑second comeback for Rapid after a year out

At the Gugl Stadium, minute 81, the 27‑year‑old Frenchman Claudy Mbuyi steps onto the pitch. Only 26 seconds later he turns a quick pass into the 0:2 final score – an emotional comeback goal that sent the fans into ecstasy.

Didi Kühbauer’s appearance at LASK

October 19, 2025 remains not only a milestone for Mbuyi, but also for Didi Kühbauer. On that day the Burgenland native made his first coaching debut as head coach at LASK, after he had returned to the Linz side.

Rapid, then league leaders, won 2:0 after the international break. The second striker, Mbuyi, contributed decisively to the victory while the team extended the lead.

The rest is history: Kühbauer led LASK to the double and into the Champions League. These successes have left a lasting mark on the club’s history.

Before the comeback Mbuyi suffered a thigh injury and wanted to take a penalty in the final minutes. The attempt failed, he aggravated the muscle and had to wait 51 weeks for a goal.

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The 26‑second comeback moment

Coach Johannes Hoff Thorup commented on the perfect double switch: “I have never experienced anything like this as a coach.” Mbuyi came into the top match together with Louis Schaub.

The first touch was a pass to Schaub, Yusuf Demir took a free kick, and a lofted pass from Demir reached Mbuyi. His second touch sealed the goal – only 26 seconds after his substitution.

Thorup returned to the bench and had to smile. For Mbuyi it was not just a goal, but a triumph over a long injury saga.

The 27‑year‑old had already completed his comeback after a muscle injury in late autumn 2025, but then severely injured his knee during the winter preparation. After a meniscus operation he managed, unlike Martin Ndzie, to return to goal‑scoring already in his third short appearance.

The club showed great confidence that the comeback would succeed, because Mbuyi kept his positive attitude and worked hard for eight months. Now he is an important alternative to Ercan Kara, while Tonni Adamsen is currently being used as a hanging striker.

Thorup emphasizes: “I have always told him that he belongs to the team. Even when Claudy was far away from the squad, he was part of us.” In this way, beautiful stories can develop over a long season.