Having had to settle for a disappointing fifth-place finish last time around, Rapid entered the new season desperate to improve on that under Goran Djuricin, who took over late in the previous campaign.
The Viennese went on to finish third after being edged out by Sturm in a tight race for battle and this finish will be seen as a satisfying, even though their fans and board alike were certainly hoping for more.
Rapid got off to a shaky start, having won only one of their opening five games, but then went on a ten-game unbeaten run that even got them dreaming about battling for the title. However, their squad situation started to quickly deteriorate, with several players picking up mid-to-long term injuries and their form inevitably suffered as a consequence.
The Green-Whites had a run of eleven games late in the autumn and early in the spring season which saw them claim only two wins and this all but ended their hopes of finishing second, although they did eventually improve and gave Sturm a run for their money.
They would have kept their hopes of finishing second alive had they not lost to Sturm with five games left and their remaining games saw them endure a battle for third with LASK, which they won.
There were some rumours regarding Djuricin's future following the failure to secure the second spot, but the board were quick to quash them and state that their boss will remain in charge next season.
All in all, the Viennese had a campaign that will be seen as a step in the right direction, but they will certainly be looking to keep improving.
