Europa League

Metalist stretch unbeaten run

Ukrainians Metalist extended their unbeaten start in Europa League Group K with a battling 2-0 win over Rapid Vienna in Kharkiv.

Second-half goals from Edmar and Cleiton Xavier capped a dominant performance by the hosts, who had began their group campaign with a goalless draw against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

The Austrians, who remain pointless after two games, had started brightly with Guido Burgstaller forcing a save out of Metalist keeper Aleksandr Horyainov after just six minutes.

Rapid keeper Lukas Konigshofer saved well to deny Jonathan Cristaldo after 26 minutes and moments later his opposite number Goryainov had to be alert to save again from Stefan Hoffmann.

Hoffman was proving a persistent danger, but Metalist came close to snatching the half-time advantage in the 44th minute when Vinicius Fininho volleyed just wide from 12 yards out.

Goryainov tipped a Deni Alar effort round the post two minutes into the second half as the visitors continued to hold the upper-hand, while Burgstaller and Hoffman again also came close.

Metalist broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Edmar rattled a free-kick into the top corner after Gerson Ferreira was penalised for a foul on Jose Sosa.

And the home side increased their lead 10 minutes from time when Brazilian Xavier struck high into the net from close-range after a ball into the box by Gomes Willian.

Hoffmann had late chances but Rapid's night ended on a low note when Burgstaller was sent off in injury time following a foul on Metalist's Cristian Villagra.