Red Bull Salzburg has put itself in a decent position in the race for a place in the play-offs for the Champions League. The “Bulls” celebrated a 2-1 home victory in the third round first leg against Twente Enschede on Tuesday thanks to a brace from Maurits Kjaergaard. The visitors’ goal was scored by Michel Vlap (90′).
The return match will take place in a week, with the promoted team battling against the winners of Glasgow Rangers – Dynamo Kiev (first leg 1:1) for a ticket to the Champions League. The eliminated team is guaranteed a place in the Europa League.
In the early stages of the match, the 17,381 spectators were treated to a wild exchange of blows. Under new coach Pepijn Lijnders, Salzburg’s defense line is extremely high, which Twente almost took advantage of in the third minute. After a long pass, Mitchell van Bergen moved away on the left and crossed to the middle, where Ricky van Wolfswinkel was completely free to shoot, but was stopped by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.
Wild initial phase
The “Bulls”, who were without goal scorer Karim Konate, who was suffering from knee problems, responded with a shot from Petar Ratkov, which Twente keeper Lars Unnerstall saved (5th minute). Just four minutes later, the guests had another sitter – Van Bergen appeared alone in front of Blaswich, but there was no way past Salzburg’s captain. After that, the game calmed down a bit, the “Bulls” gained more control of the game and were also more dangerous. Kjaergaard played Oscar Gloukh free, Unnerstall saved with luck and skill (32nd minute).
Shortly before half-time, the German goalkeeper was beaten. Gloukh brought a corner into the middle, Twente could only clear it briefly, Kjaergaard lurked on the edge of the penalty area and scored with a direct shot and a spectacular drop kick. The beginning of the second half was dominated by Salzburg. After preparatory work by Gloukh, Aleksa Terzic ran towards the goal, but missed by a wide margin (47′).
Vlap shortened before the end
The former serial champions continued to press, but struggled to create chances. The most dangerous moment came when Mads Bistrup shot, but Unnerstall was on the spot (78′). A shot from substitute Moussa Yeo also landed in the side netting (84′). A minute later, Salzburg’s pressing resulted in a high ball win, and Kjaergaard finished off the quick attack with a deflected shot into the far corner to make it 2-0.
On the other hand, the Eredivisie’s third-place team last season was practically not present at all in the offensive in the second half – until the 90th minute. The hosts conceded an unnecessary free kick in the box, “Joker” Vlap surprised Blaswich and sank the ball into the goalie’s corner.
Red Bull Salzburg – Twente Enschede Final score 2:1 (1:0)
Salzburg Stadium, 17,381, SR Nobre (POR).
Return match next Tuesday (7 p.m./live ServusTV and Sky) in Enschede.
The promoted team is in the Champions League play-off against the winner of Glasgow Rangers – Dynamo Kiev (first leg 1:1), the loser in the Europa League group stage.
Tore: 1:0 (40.) Kjaergaard, 2:0 (85.) Kjaergaard, 2:1 (90.) Vlap (free kick)
Salzburg: Blaswich – Dedic, Baidoo, Blank (46. Piatkowski), Terzic – Bidstrup (83. Capaldo), Gourna-Douath (59. Diambau), Kjaergaard – Nene, Ratkov (68. Daghim), Gloukh (83. Yeo)
Twente: Unnerstall – Regeer, Hilgers, Van Hoorenbeeck, Salah-Eddine – Kjölö (57. Lammers), Steijn (57. Vlap), Eiting (80. Besselink) – Rots (80. Taha), Van Wolfswinkel, Van Bergen (66. Ltaief)
Yellow card: Gourna-Douath
