Rapid Vienna take their 32nd national title

Rapid Vienna claimed their 32nd national title here on Sunday as they beat Altach 3-0 with one round of matches remaining.

Rapid hold a four point lead over second-placed Red Bull Salzburg, who beat Austria Vienna 2-0 on Sunday.

Rapid’s title success was effectively sealed on March 23rd when they destroyed the much better-funded Salzburg – coached by Italian veteran and Republic of Ireland-bound Giovanni Trapattoni – 7-0 away.

For Rapid, who won the inaugural title in 1912, it was their first title since 2005.

Rapid’s German playmaker Steffen Hofmann – who had come through the Bayern Munich youth system – had been elected player of the season for the third time last week.