Vitesse in particular is working on an unprecedented European season. As a rule, Dutch sub-top clubs in Europe cannot break pots. The Arnhem team had never even managed to enforce qualification for a group stage through preliminary rounds before this season. The elimination of the great Anderlecht in the play-off was therefore already a remarkable achievement, but the fact that Vitesse would survive the group stage in a group with Stade Rennais and Tottenham Hotspur was completely unexpected.
It resulted in Vitesse’s first knock-out matches ever after the winter break and now even in the eighth finals. In it, the Letsch team will complete European duel numbers thirteen and fourteen of this season. That is as many European matches as the Arnhem team played in the entire period 2013-2021.
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Wonderful first half
European football brings out the best this season at Vitesse, which played off all the frustrations about the disappointing past weeks in a wonderful first half. The team from Arnhem had not won six matches in a row, although the team felt the moral winner after last Sunday’s draw in the mud fight with FC Utrecht.
Trainer Thomas Letsch indicated in advance that Vitesse had gained confidence and it showed, because his team got off the starting blocks very convincingly. Vitesse played at a fast pace, constantly chasing the opponent and taking advantage of the large holes that fell in the Viennese defence.
Vitesse supporters in the Gelredome see their club beat Rapid Wien.
Ⓒ AP
Already in the 3rd minute that resulted in a lead, when Adriann Grbic was sent off and the Austrian finished clinically. The first goal for Vitesse from the striker hired from the French FC Lorient in January.
The early lead was a piece of cake for Rapid, who had taken the lead even faster last week through Ferdy Druijf. The AZ mercenary had again been given a basic place, but this time was much less in the game, also because Rapid had a lot of trouble keeping the ball in the team at all. It was unprecedented how sloppy the Austrians were in the passing.
Fast 2-0
Vitesse exploited the dominance with the quick 2-0 by Matus Bero, who benefited with a good running action from a cross from Eli Dasa. Because of that goal, Vitesse had already converted the deficit from Vienna into a lead after 19 minutes. And in Rapid’s only offensive feat of arms, goalkeeper Jeroen Houwen made an adequate save on Robert Ljubicic’s bet.
Like many sports teams with Russian connections, Vitesse was confronted with questions about the future after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The owner of the club is Valeriy Oyf, a Russian born in Ukraine, who annually makes up for the millions that the Arnhemmers lack. The big question is whether the announced sanctions against Russia will affect Vitesse’s financial strength.
The future should show what the impact will be. Thanks to the Russian millions, the Gelredome has already been able to experience many beautiful European evenings this season. The duel with Rapid was again extremely entertaining with fighting football in top gear. Because Vitesse failed to increase the score further, it remained exciting until the last minute, but the 14,000 fans in the Gelredome were able to cheer after ninety minutes and look forward to two more European matches for their favorites, who simultaneously won the first victory in seven matches. have fueled confidence for the derby against NEC next Sunday.