Rapid’s 5‑1 thrashing fuels confidence ahead of derby double
Rapid Wien have wrapped up a 5‑1 victory over newly promoted Austria Lustenau and, with nine wins from ten league fixtures, coach Johannes Hoff Thorup says the side is primed for the looming derby double in the Cup and the league.
League dominance continues
Rapid Wien sit atop the Austrian Bundesliga having won nine of their ten league matches. Their goal difference stands at 31 scored to nine conceded. The club remains clear table leaders. Their consistency has created a comfortable gap over the chasing pack.
On Saturday the side dispatched Austria Lustenau 5‑1 at home. Early strikes came from Ercan Kara in the seventh minute and Nenad Cvetkovic a minute later. Yusuf Demir added a penalty at 41 minutes and a second goal at 67, while Marco Tilio sealed the win with a late effort in the 85th. Thorup said, “Wir sind im Flow geblieben, ich liebe es zu sehen, wie wir aktuell Fußball spielen”, while left‑back Jannes Horn admitted the team could have scored more.
Cup and derby ahead
Rapid’s next test arrives on Tuesday in the Cup round‑of‑16 against Vienna, who are currently challenging for the second‑division title. Thorup warned that Vienna “has a run and nothing to lose” and described Cup matches as always “icky”. Vienna’s recent cup run has seen them upset higher‑division opponents. The game will be played at the Hohen Warte.
In the league, Rapid will meet their arch‑rivals Austria in a derby that pits the table‑leaders against a side 20 points adrift. Thorup called for the same discipline and self‑belief, stating “we must go in with the same discipline and show confidence on the pitch”. He reiterated that “only the next game counts”. A win would further widen the points gap and cement Rapid’s dominance.
Lustenau's slump and reactions
Austria Lustenau have seen their form tumble, suffering five defeats in their last six rounds and three consecutive losses. Their captain Pius Grabher described the situation as “very mixed”, while coach Mader lamented missed “bonus points”. The club sits just three points above the bottom‑placed WAC. The downward trend has left them hovering near the relegation zone.
Grabher added that the first half against Rapid was “overwhelmed by the opponent and the atmosphere”, and Mader said the team left “points on the table against supposed direct rivals”. Both expressed disappointment at the heavy defeat.
Thorup concluded that the squad must stay hungry, echoing Horn’s sentiment that “we cannot complain when we win nine of ten”. The rapid side aim to keep their momentum alive as the season progresses.