Big win for Matthäus' men

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus enjoyed his biggest success in his fledgling career as coach when his Sk Rapid Wien team routed FK Partizan to reach the second round of the UEFA Cup on Thursday night.

Big win
Rapid, whom Matthäus joined as sports director earlier this month, beat the Yugoslavs 5-1 for an aggregate win of 5-2.  Roman Wallner put Rapid ahead in the 11th minute and Gaston Taument made it 2-0 in the 34th minute.

Waghner seals win
Damir Cakar reduced the deficit in the 58th minute but Wallner restored Rapid's advantage two minutes later. Rene Wagner sealed the win with goals in the 65th and 71st minutes.

'Sensational win'
"This is a sensational win in the UEFA Cup. Partizan have been playing well," a visibly relieved Matthäus said after the match. "I've only been doing my job -- trying to convert what we can do in training into a match."

Legend wants to satisfy fans
Matthäus, captain of the West German side which won the 1990 FIFA World Cup, left FC Bayern München in March last year. He said he hoped Rapid's strong performance would satisfy the club's frustrated fans.

Predecessor sacked
Rapid's previous trainer Ernst Dokupil was sacked last month after a poor start to the season. Rapid are currently fifth in the Austrian premier division.