Dundee United’s summer signings have been treated to stories of past European adventures and successes recently. This seemed to inspire them during their recent match against a team sitting near the top of the Austrian Bundesliga.
Despite a valiant and energetic effort, they couldn’t quite emulate the achievements of Jim McLean’s legendary team from 1984, who triumphed over Rapid Vienna en route to a European Cup semi-final. This time, elimination came in the cruellest way possible: a penalty shoot-out. Amar Fatah, taking the first kick, was the only player to miss, his shot striking the woodwork.
The Hungarian team, ETO Gyor, now awaits Rapid Vienna, with a place in the Europa Conference League group stage at stake.
United now turn their attention back to domestic football for another season, but their recent performance suggests a promising campaign ahead. Jim Goodwin’s squad could well find themselves back on the European stage in the coming year.
Team Absences and Overcoming Setbacks
United faced several challenges heading into the match. Isaac Pappoe sustained a knee injury in Vienna, while Ryan Strain, Ross Graham, and Kristijan Trapanovski were also sidelined. Furthermore, the team had to recover quickly after a painful 94th-minute defeat to Hearts on Sunday.
However, this team, despite the influx of new players, has demonstrated a resilient spirit. The thrilling 2-2 draw in Austria the previous week was evidence of this. Moreover, amidst all the talk of international signings, the tireless efforts of Miller Thomson, Kai Fotheringham, and Owen Stirton in extra time were crucial in taking the tie to penalties.
Rapid’s Confidence and United’s Response
Rapid Vienna’s captain, Matthias Seidl, expressed confidence before the match, stating that his team was simply “better” than United. However, Seidl only played for 45 minutes, as half-time changes by manager Peter Stoger significantly impacted Rapid’s performance and sparked their comeback from a 2-0 deficit.
For United, Will Ferry was outstanding upon his return from a domestic ban, and Max Watters marked his return from illness with two first-half goals.
Early Chances and United’s Dominance
Rapid Vienna had the better of the early chances in the first leg, coming close twice within the first 12 minutes. However, it was United who capitalised. Ivan Dolcek’s excellent cross created United’s first significant opportunity. Watters made a smart move to lose his marker, and while his initial attempt wasn’t perfect, it foreshadowed the opening goal.
Rapid Vienna played some neat football, creating chances through intricate passing. However, their narrow formation was vulnerable to exploitation, and Ferry did just that down the left flank, sending the home crowd into raptures. A brilliant turn and pass from Zac Sapsford found Ferry in space. Ferry then spotted Watters making another clever run and delivered a perfect cross for the Barnsley loanee to head into the top corner.
United continued to threaten from crosses, causing chaos in the Rapid defence. A warning shot from right-back Bendeguz Bolla was well saved by the United goalkeeper.
Penalty Earned and Converted
United doubled their lead through a superb break by Sapsford. He surged from his own half, bursting between two defenders before being brought down by Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao after passing the ball to Watters. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Watters stepped up and confidently slotted the ball into the corner, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
United’s centre-backs made some crucial tackles in the penalty area, earning huge cheers from the fans.
Rapid’s Second-Half Comeback
Sapsford, who was later seen on crutches, was replaced by Fatah at half-time. Rapid made a tactical switch, introducing Ercan Kara up front and moving Antiste into a deeper role. This change proved pivotal.
United struggled to contain Rapid from the start of the second half. Kara posed a significant physical threat, while substitute Andrija Radulovic’s pace and creativity caused problems.
United had a golden opportunity to extend their lead on 54 minutes, but Ferry volleyed wide after a brilliant move. From then on, United were under immense pressure.
The goalkeeper’s save in the 55th minute only delayed the inevitable. Antiste, playing as a withdrawn striker, proved elusive and scored from a corner with a glancing header.
Late Pressure and Extra Time Drama
Thomson and Stirton provided fresh legs in the 71st minute, but Rapid showed no signs of tiring. The United goalkeeper made a stunning save, but the defensive door was creaking. A dangerous cross found Kara, who flicked the ball into the far corner.
United boldly switched to a 4-3-3 formation, bringing on Kai Fotheringham just before the end of the 90 minutes. This tactical adjustment gave Rapid more to think about and almost paid off ten minutes into extra time. Stirton capitalised on a poor header, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save.
Penalty Shoot-Out Heartbreak
The penalty shoot-out brought more heartbreak. Fatah hit the post with the first kick, and Rapid made no mistakes. Despite successful kicks from Ferry, Esselink, Sevelj, and Keresztes, Rapid were perfect, and Bolla clinched the victory for the Austrian side.