SK Rapid Wien wins Austrian Cup, beats SV Stripfing 2-0
Austrian Cup Final: SK Rapid Wien defeats SV Stripfing 2-0 to secure victory
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - SK Rapid Wien claimed the Austrian Cup on Saturday, May 13, 2023, after defeating SV Stripfing 2-0 in the final at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt.
Rapid Wien, the record 14-time Austrian Cup winners, dominated the match from the start and took the lead in the 25th minute through a header from Guido Burgstaller. The goal came after a perfectly placed cross from Marco Grüll.
Rapid Wien continued to press for a second goal, and their efforts were rewarded in the 65th minute when Bernhard Zimmermann doubled their lead with a powerful shot from outside the box.
SV Stripfing, who were appearing in their first Austrian Cup final, gave a valiant effort but were unable to find a way past the Rapid Wien defense. Rapid Wien goalkeeper Paul Gartler made several key saves to keep his side in the lead.
The victory was a welcome boost for Rapid Wien, who have struggled for consistency in the Austrian Football Bundesliga this season. It was also a special moment for manager Ferdinand Feldhofer, who won his first major trophy with the club.
SK Rapid Wien's road to the Austrian Cup final
Rapid Wien's victory in the Austrian Cup was the culmination of a successful run in the competition. They began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Regionalliga side FC Dornbirn in the first round.
In the second round, they faced another Regionalliga side, FC Liefering, and won 2-0. In the third round, they defeated Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC 3-1.
In the quarter-finals, Rapid Wien faced their toughest test yet against reigning champions Red Bull Salzburg. However, they produced a stunning performance to win 3-1 and reach the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Rapid Wien defeated LASK Linz 2-1 to book their place in the final against SV Stripfing.
SV Stripfing's unlikely run to the Austrian Cup final
SV Stripfing's run to the Austrian Cup final was a remarkable achievement for the small club from Lower Austria. They began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Regionalliga side SC Kalsdorf in the first round.
In the second round, they faced another Regionalliga side, FC Gleisdorf 09, and won 3-0. In the third round, they defeated Bundesliga side Admira Wacker Mödling 2-1.
In the quarter-finals, SV Stripfing produced the shock of the tournament by defeating Bundesliga leaders Sturm Graz 2-0. In the semi-finals, they defeated Austria Klagenfurt 3-1 to reach the final.
Conclusion
SK Rapid Wien's victory in the Austrian Cup was a hard-fought triumph that was the culmination of a successful season. They were the better team on the day and deserved to win. SV Stripfing can be proud of their run to the final, and they will be hoping to continue their good form in the Austrian Football Bundesliga next season.
