Analysis The numbers behind the result
Rapid Vienna clinical despite modest possession edge
Rapid Vienna's 3-1 victory was deserved, with their superior efficiency in front of goal outweighing FC Santa Coloma's resilience. Despite holding just 62% possession, Rapid Vienna created 18 total shots (7 on target) compared to Santa Coloma's 10 (2 on target). Their clinical edge was evident, converting three of their seven on-target attempts, while Santa Coloma managed only one goal from their two shots on goal.
The game turned decisively in the second half, with three goals in six minutes. Rapid Vienna's S. Raux Yao opened the scoring in the 50th minute, assisted by Y. Demir, who then scored himself in the 56th minute, assisted by M. Seidl. Santa Coloma briefly responded through P. D. Munoz Martinez in the 54th minute, but Rapid Vienna sealed the win with M. Haidara's 89th-minute strike, assisted by P. Dahl. Rapid Vienna's ability to capitalise on key moments, particularly through Demir and Haidara, proved decisive.
The defining stat was Rapid Vienna's shot conversion rate: they scored three goals from seven shots on target (43% efficiency), compared to Santa Coloma's one goal from two shots on target (50% efficiency). Despite Santa Coloma's commendable defensive organisation, Rapid Vienna's superior attacking quality ultimately told.