**Bundesliga: Rapid Siegt Dank Elfmeter Beim GAK**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Bundesliga: Rapid Wien Triumphs Over GAK Thanks to Penalty Kick

Rapid Wien secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over GAK in the Austrian Bundesliga on Saturday, thanks to a crucial penalty conversion in the second half. The match, played at the Merkur Arena in Graz, was a tense affair with both sides creating chances but ultimately lacking the finishing touch.

A Tight First Half

The first half saw a cagey encounter with neither team able to assert themselves. Both sides relied heavily on counter-attacks, with Rapid’s Marco Grüll and GAK's Daniel Moser coming closest to breaking the deadlock. The half ended goalless, with both teams going into the break with a shared sense of frustration.

The Penalty Decider

The second half began with a renewed sense of urgency from both sides. Rapid, however, managed to find their rhythm and created a number of promising opportunities. The breakthrough moment came in the 68th minute when Thorsten Schick was fouled inside the penalty area by GAK defender Lukas Hoffer. Ercan Kara stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball past GAK goalkeeper Tobias Schützenauer.

GAK’s Struggle for a Comeback

GAK tried to respond immediately, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find a way past Rapid’s resolute defense. The Vienna side managed to hold onto their lead, securing a valuable three points on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid’s resilience: Despite a lackluster first half, Rapid showed their mettle in the second half, finding the crucial breakthrough and holding onto the lead.
• GAK’s missed opportunities: GAK’s inability to convert their chances proved costly. Despite creating some dangerous situations, their finishing lacked precision.
• Kara’s penalty heroics: Ercan Kara’s cool composure from the spot proved decisive, securing the victory for Rapid.

This win sees Rapid Wien move up to 5th place in the Bundesliga table with 13 points, while GAK remains in 11th place with 6 points. This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Austrian Bundesliga, with teams fighting hard for every point. The battle for survival and European qualification promises to be intense as the season progresses.