Rapid Wien edges out Hamburg in entertaining friendly

The Allianz Stadion played host to an engaging friendly between two clubs preparing for their respective league campaigns. Rapid Wien made their intentions clear from the off, and the home crowd had plenty to cheer about in an open, attacking contest that never lacked for incident or quality football.

Ercan Kara got Rapid off to a dream start with a goal in the third minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. Hamburg hit back through Yussuf Poulsen eight minutes later to level matters at 1-1. The visitors then took the lead when Andreas Grønbæk found the net in the 24th minute, but Rapid responded with devastating effect. Kara struck again just ten minutes later to restore parity, and Rapid completed their scoring surge when Johannes Auer netted in the 36th minute to make it 3-2.

From that point forward, Hamburg pressed hard to get back into the game but could not break through Rapid's defence. The Austrian side managed their advantage competently, though the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack throughout the second half. Rapid's attacking play in the opening stages had done the damage, and despite Hamburg's efforts to claw their way back, they could not find the equaliser.

The victory will provide Rapid Wien with genuine confidence ahead of their competitive fixtures, having dismantled their opponents in spells and shown the clinical finishing required at the highest level. Hamburg, meanwhile, will take positives from their fight and intensity but know they must tighten up defensively if they are to compete in their opening matches of the season.