Stormy Start Marks Bundesliga’s Second Half
As the Bundesliga enters its second half, excitement mounts for a pivotal matchup featuring SK Rapid Wien and SK Sturm Graz. Scheduled for Sunday, the match will kick off at 17:00 in Allianz Stadion. Tickets are selling fast, with over 22,000 already purchased by Friday afternoon, including about 2,000 for visiting fans.
Match Preview: SK Rapid Wien vs. SK Sturm Graz
Both teams are looking to build on their recent performances. SK Rapid Wien’s captain, Matthias Seidl, has reanimated the squad after a challenging period that included five consecutive defeats. In their previous outings, Rapid secured a 2:0 league victory in Ried and advanced with a 1:0 win in the ÖFB Cup against St. Pölten.
However, coach Peter Stöger will have to manage without several key players. Offensives Petter Nosa Dahl and Claudy Mbuyi are sidelined due to muscle injuries, but may return after the upcoming international break. Jannes Horn is expected to be fit, while Noah Bischof, Tobias Børkeeit, Jean Harisson Marcelin, and Jakob Schöller will not play. Martin Ndzie, who joined the team late in the transfer period, might be available for a limited role.
Sturm Graz’s Strong Form
On the other side, SK Sturm Graz arrives with confidence despite suffering a recent 1:2 defeat against Rapid. They claimed maximum points in their first six away games, showcasing a solid away form. Coach Jürgen Säumel’s team aims to bounce back after a demanding cup match that went to penalties, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Rapid has shown dominance over Sturm in recent matches, winning the last two encounters, including a decisive 3:1 victory last season. Notably, Bendegúz Bolla was a standout in that game, scoring two goals. Their last encounter on August 10 ended with Rapid winning after overcoming an early deficit.
Statistics and Historical Context
The historical rivalry between SK Rapid Wien and SK Sturm Graz comprises a total of 229 league matches. Below are some key statistics from these encounters:
| Metric | Total | Home |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 229 | 114 |
| Wins (S) | 109 | 74 |
| Draws (U) | 59 | 20 |
| Losses (N) | 61 | 20 |
| Goals Scored | 416 | 268 |
The next match is crucial for both teams as they navigate a tightly contested league table, with the top four teams separated by a single point. The outcome will play a key role in shaping their trajectories for the remainder of the season, setting the stage for a thrilling second half of the Bundesliga campaign.
