Rapid Vienna — Gyor ETO : Match Preview and Prediction for August 28,2025

Defensive Frailties Exposed

The initial encounter in Hungary concluded with a 1:2 defeat for the Austrian side. This wasn’t merely bad luck; it was a direct consequence of palpable defensive vulnerabilities that their opponent skillfully exploited. Head coach Peter Stöger expressed his frank disappointment with his players after the game, openly citing “careless turnovers in midfield” and “negligent conduct in challenges” as the root causes of the goals conceded.

Second Goal Blunder

The second goal against Rapid was particularly telling. Željko Gavrić received the ball and calmly struck it without any discernible resistance. The Viennese club’s defenders simply stood by, observing the unfolding events. Stöger himself acknowledged that his team “made it easy for the opponent to score.” Such significant defensive lapses are not remedied in just a single week.

Recent Form and European Track Record

Even their recent 2:1 victory in the Austrian championship against Wolfsberger AC should not provide a false sense of security. Rapid once again conceded, this time from a penalty, failing to keep a clean sheet. Their European statistics also highlight this vulnerability: in 4 out of their last 5 Conference League matches, Rapid has conceded at least one goal.

Clinical Attack and Hungarian Prowess

The Hungarian club has already proven its attacking prowess and eagerness to push forward. Their two goals in the first leg serve as direct evidence of this. The team employs an offensive brand of football, a characteristic even Austrian experts acknowledge, describing Gyor as a dynamic side with excellent set-piece routines. Their left flank, in particular, caused a multitude of problems for Rapid’s defense.

Gavrić’s Impact

The primary offensive threat for the Hungarians is Željko Gavrić, who netted a brace in the initial encounter. This player is intimately familiar to Rapid’s coach Peter Stöger from their time together at Ferencváros, and Gavrić clearly knows how to capitalize on defensive errors. Gyor’s attacking efficiency was evident: they didn’t require dozens of chances to score twice.

Formidable Away Scoring Record

The most compelling argument for an away goal comes from their impressive statistics on the road. The numbers don’t lie: Gyor ETO has scored at least one goal in 16 out of their last 17 away matches. This isn’t just a streak; it’s a consistent pattern that speaks volumes about the team’s attacking style and capabilities.