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Maierhofer: Rapid ready for the big duel against Salzburg!
Red Bull Salzburg meets SK Rapid on October 5, 2025. Ex-player Maierhofer reflects on the emotional duel.
Maierhofer: Rapid ready for the big duel against Salzburg!
A classic is imminent! The traditional rivals FC Red Bull Salzburg and SK Rapid will meet next Sunday at 5 p.m. This encounter is described by many as emotional and historical. The former player of both clubs, Stefan Maierhofer, remembers his first derby in 2008 when Rapid won with an impressive 7-0 against Salzburg. This result remains unforgettable and is a proud piece of club history for the Rapid fans. Maierhofer is optimistic about Rapid’s opportunities and sees the team at eye level with Salzburg this season - an exciting duel for the title could be imminent if you look at the current form of both teams. Kicker reports that Rapid's last victory in Salzburg had been over ten years ago.
In the 2024/25 season, Salzburg confirmed its strength when the team defeated the SK Rapid 4-2 in the last master group game of the Admiral Bundesliga and thus secured second place in the table. With their early goals, Oscar Gloukh and Nene Dorgeles contributed to victory, while Guido Burgstaller for Rapid shortened after a temporary deficit to 4: 2. In this encounter, the goalkeeper Schlager with numerous crucial parades was an important factor for the success of the Salzburg. [Ligaportal] (https://www.ligaportal.at/bundesliga/spielberichte/18409-4-heimsieg- against-sk-fc-fc-fc-Bull-Salzburg-Ost-Vice master) describes that this game took place on May 24, 2025 in the Red Bull Arena.
A change in Salzburg
Although Red Bull Salzburg has won many championship titles in the recent past, Maierhofer is currently seeing the club in a change. The dominance of recent years is no longer as pronounced as it was once. The coach Thomas Letsch is under pressure, but Maierhofer advocated patience and points out that such a change takes time. Christoph Freund, who is now observed by Bayern Munich, has in the past generous investments that could be crucial for the future of the association.
On the other hand, Rapid with sports director Markus Katzer shows great potential in transfer policy. The recent investments and player sales make Rapid appear on an economically good way. Maierhofer emphasizes that Peter Stöger is considered the "royal transfer of the Bundesliga" and will strengthen the team structure. Despite the last two defeats-one derby defeat and a 1: 4 defeat against Lech Poznan-the mood at Rapid is optimistic. Kicker emphasizes that there is still a lot of hope in the coming season.
A look at Bundesliga history
The Austrian Bundesliga itself has an exciting story that goes back to 1911 when the official championships were launched. The Bundesliga, which was founded in 1974, has seen many ups and downs since then, with several clubs, including Rapid and Salzburg, fought for the top of Austrian football. The dominance of SK Rapid in the 1980s and the later success of Red Bull Salzburg from 2007 to 2022 speak for themselves. ÖFB summarizes the development of the league and shows how Austrian football has changed over the years.
With the upcoming meeting of the two traditional clubs, another chapter is written in this long and rich history of Austrian football. The anticipation of the derby on Sunday in Salzburg could hardly be greater. The fans are excited to see whether Rapid can finally celebrate a victory in the Red Bull Arena again and whether Salzburg gets the pressure upright to survive in the title race.