On Wednesday, the Bulls lost 0-2 (0-0) at home to a calm Dinamo Zagreb and are still without a point or goal after three games in the premier football league. After the 0:3 against Sparta Prague and the 0:4 against Stade Brest, the goal difference is now 0:9.
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Once again, Pep Lijnders’ team remained harmless for long stretches and was unable to force a turnaround after falling behind through Sandro Kulenovic (49′). To make matters worse, goalie Alexander Schlager saw red in the 66th minute. In the finish, Bruno Petkovic (84th) made everything clear.
Without a home win since October 2022
This means that they have been without a home win on the European stage since October 5, 2022. Places 9 – 24, which bring promotion to the play-offs, are becoming increasingly distant. Especially since the strongest opponents are still coming. On November 6th we go to Feyenoord Rotterdam before the calibers Bayer Leverkusen (November 26th/away), Paris Saint-Germain (December 10th/home), Real Madrid (January 22nd, 2025/a) and Atletico Madrid (January 29th/h ) wait.
Lijnders once again fielded a new eleven in this form, but refrained from any surprises. As was the case during his comeback last weekend, ÖFB team goalie Alexander Schlager was in goal. Dinamo, with the suspended former WAC and Austria coach Nenad Bjelica in the audience instead of on the bench, only had the ailing Croatian team striker Petkovic on the bench.
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“If you want to win Champions League games, you have to take advantage of your chances,” said Lijnders the day before the duel with the Croatian series champions. Alone, his team didn’t actually have any really compelling ones, at least in the first half. Only a header from Karim Konate over the goal (7th) and a long-range shot from Amar Dedic (21st) that was harmless to Dinamo goalie Ivan Nevistic were recorded.
1500 loud away fans in Salzburg
24,018 spectators, including 1,500 loud fans in the away sector, saw a very committed start from the home team, who mostly stuck to the compact guests in the penalty area and missed the last move to the goal. The Croatians didn’t put much effort into the offensive at the start, but improved significantly as the first 45 minutes progressed. Also because Salzburg sometimes let the guests have their way in the build-up to the game. The result was two tricky situations: once Kamil Piatkowski saved from the line against Kulenovic (36th), a little later the Dinamo striker tested Schlager (40th).
Unfortunately for Salzburg, the calm and technically strong Zagreb team continued to play seamlessly after the break. After a long ball relay and cross into the center of the penalty area, Kulenovic headed in to make it 1-0, and Salzburg seemed at a loss. At the hour mark, Lijnders tried to provide new impetus with the substitution of Stefan Bajcetic, Dorgeles Nene and Nicolas Capaldo. Apart from a header from Samson Baidoo after a corner (next to the 61st minute), there was no danger.
Schlager saw red and was injured
The subsequent exclusion didn’t make it any easier. Schlager was shown red for handball after running out against Kulenovic and was also injured in the collision. Although he was able to leave the field himself, he made room for Janis Blaswich – the man he had replaced during the comeback from a knee injury last weekend.
When they were outnumbered, they tried hard and even had the best chance through Karim Konate (71′). However, the striker was denied by goalkeeper Nevistic and a handful of half-chances followed. Zagreb even had a chance to make it 3-0 at the end, no problem playing the lead over time and giving Bjelica their first win over Salzburg in the eighth attempt.
Red Bull Salzburg – Dinamo Zagreb 0:2 (0:0)
Wals-Siezenheim, Red Bull Arena, 24.018, SR Makkelie (NED)
Tore: 0:1 (49.) Kulenovic, 0:2 (84.) Petkovic
Salzburg: Schlager – Dedic, Piatkowski, Baidoo, Terzic (82. Guindo), Bidstrup (58. Capaldo), Diambou (58. Bajcetic), Kjaergaard – Daghim (58. Nene), Konate – Gloukh (69. Blaswich)
Dinamo: Nevistic – Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Bernauer, Torrente – Sucic (88. Stojokovic), Misic, Ademi (59. Rog) – Baturina (88. Kacavenda), Kulenovic (77. Petkovic), Ogiwara (77. Pierre-Gabriel)
Red card: Schlager (66th, handball)
Yellow cards: Bidstrup, Dedic, Piatkowski bzw. Rog
Interview with Football Expert and Analyst, Mark Thompson
Editor: Mark, thanks for joining us today. The recent match saw Red Bull Salzburg suffer another disappointing defeat, this time against Dinamo Zagreb. What do you think has gone wrong for Salzburg this season?
Mark Thompson: Thank you for having me. Salzburg’s performance has been quite alarming, especially considering they haven’t scored a goal in their first three league matches. Their inability to convert chances and shaky defense—reflected in that 0-9 goal difference—is concerning. In the match against Dinamo Zagreb, for instance, they struggled to create significant opportunities and were ultimately left vulnerable.
Editor: They were trailing 1-0 when goalkeeper Alexander Schlager received a red card. What impact do you think that incident had on the match?
Mark Thompson: The red card was pivotal. Not only did it leave Salzburg a man down, but it also disrupted any momentum they could have built. Schlager’s dismissal compounded the pressure on the defenders, and they failed to cope effectively, leading to a second goal from Zagreb. Playing with a numerical disadvantage against a well-organized team like Dinamo is always a daunting challenge.
Editor: Looking ahead, Salzburg has a tough schedule with matches against formidable teams like Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain. What should the team focus on to turn things around?
Mark Thompson: Salzburg needs to reassess their strategy, particularly in offense. They have to create more clear-cut chances and be more clinical in finishing. Additionally, strengthening their defense is crucial. The upcoming matches are tough tests, but if they can find some cohesion and confidence, they have the potential to pull off surprising results. It’s about building from small victories, even in challenging circumstances.
Editor: It’s been mentioned that the team hasn’t won at home in European competitions since October last year. How can they break that streak?
Mark Thompson: Breaking that streak will require focus and determination. They need to rally their home support and play with more urgency and creativity. Playing at home should give them a psychological edge, and they need to take full advantage of that. Finding a way to assert themselves early in the game can help, coupled with strong communication on the pitch to mitigate defensive lapses.
Editor: Thank you, Mark. Your insights are invaluable as we watch how Salzburg navigates through this challenging time.
Mark Thompson: My pleasure! It’s important to remember that football is full of ups and downs. I’m hopeful they can rebound soon.
Things around?
Mark Thompson: Moving forward, Salzburg must prioritize improving their offensive efficiency. They need to capitalize on the chances they create. This season, the integration of new players may also factor in, so establishing chemistry among the squad is crucial. Defensively, they must tighten up and reduce errors that lead to goals. In matches against high-caliber opponents like Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain, discipline and maintaining composure under pressure will be vital. increased teamwork and focus during training sessions could help rectify their current woes.
Editor: Do you believe in the potential of Pep Lijnders as the manager to turn the situation around?
Mark Thompson: Pep Lijnders brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, which is invaluable. The players must buy into his system and philosophy. However, it’s important to remember that managerial transitions often take time, and results may not come immediately. How he adapts tactically during this challenging phase will be essential. If he remains calm and continues to instill confidence in the squad, there’s a good chance they will eventually find their stride. But it may require patience from both the management and the fans.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mark. It’s certainly an interesting season ahead for Salzburg.
Mark Thompson: Thank you! It will definitely be a test for them, and I hope to see them rebound and compete strongly in the coming matches.