Rapid Vienna secures a slender victory against Djurgarden in the Conference League

It has been nearly three decades since Rapid Wien last made their way into the semi-finals of a European tournament, but the two-time runners-up of the European Cup Winners’ Cup are on track to break that streak after narrowly securing a 1-0 win against Swedish side Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.

The match started at a measured pace, but the visitors came alive around the 15-minute mark. Romeo Amane created their first genuine opportunity, capitalising on a poorly executed back pass which led to an outstanding save from Jacob Rinne. Rinne then showcased his skills again with another remarkable stop from Isak Jansson.

At the opposite end, Niklas Hedl made a swift dash off his line to thwart Oskar Fallenius’ close-range attempt as both teams exchanged blows in an intense battle.

As the match progressed, the Iron Stoves, in pursuit of a fourth consecutive home victory in this competition, began to look more dangerous. Fallenius squandered another chance when his rapid advance and shot was deflected away to safety.

The winger had revealed some of his strengths, prompting the Green and Whites to limit his space and influence for the remainder of the first half, effectively neutralising any threat.

The second half unfolded similarly, with opportunities being few and far between, but each one that came was significant.

August Priske had a golden chance for the home side but squandered it with a free header from a set-piece that sailed well off target. The breakthrough finally arrived when Hampus Finndell inadvertently deflected Louis Schaub’s low cross into his own net.

Djurgarden, making their debut in a European quarter-final, could have levelled the score almost instantly when Fallenius’ powerful shot from distance deflected wide, and a subsequent 25-yard effort went off target.

However, an equaliser was not to be, with the Swedish team failing to score for the second consecutive home match, while Rapid ended their streak of back-to-back 2-0 losses.

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