The race for the Austrian league title was thrown dramatically open yesterday when Salzburg were thrashed 7-0 at home by Rapid Vienna, who took over at the top of the standings.

It was the biggest defeat for Austria's richest side since the club's takeover in 2005 by soft drink billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz and the worst ever for experienced Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

"It was not a defeat, it was a catastrophe," said the former Juventus, Bayern Munich and Italy coach, who is due to take over as Ireland manager in May.

"I have never let in seven goals in 40 years as a professional - neither as a player nor as a trainer.

"All the papers were talking this week about it being the game of the year, and it clearly got to the players," Trapattoni told Austrian news agency APA. "We were not physically, but mentally and organisationally weak."

After becoming only the second team to win at Salzburg this season, Rapid now lead the standings by a single point from Salzburg with five matches remaining.

Rapid's victory has ensured that three teams are still in with a realistic chance of clinching the championship, with Linz a point behind Salzburg.

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