Rapid keen to bounce back

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 by PA

Rapid Vienna will be out for revenge on Thursday night when they face Hapoel Tel-Aviv in a crucial Europa League clash.

Rapid were thrashed 5-1 in Israel when the two sides met earlier in Group C, but need to win this time if they are to break back into the top two in the standings.

"We are burning for a re-match," said left-back Markus Ketzer.

Rapid's home record certainly suggests they can avoid a repeat of that 5-1 mauling, as they are unbeaten in nine European games at home, and have a five-game winning streak at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

Tie that to their impressive domestic form, and Hapoel cannot assume they will find them in the same charitable mood as they were last time.

However, the Tel Aviv club are in top form themselves, have travelled to Austria buoyed by a 1-0 derby victory over Maccabi.

Douglas Da Silva got the all important goal and the Brazilian is now hoping to once again give the club's fans something to shout about.

"We play for our fans, they support us home and away and we need to repay them on the pitch," he told the club's website. "I am pleased we were able to do it [against Maccabi] and make them happy until the next game.

"Now we have a few days to prepare for Vienna, so we cannot afford to take any time out to celebrate."

Hapoel can travel with confidence, having lost only twice and won four of their last seven games away from home.

Hapoel have reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.

Rapid will be without Hannes Erder, who is battling a heel problem, while Markus Heikkinen is facing a late fitness test.