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The champions of the Austrian soccer series are back in the premier class. In the second leg of the Champions League tie, the Bulls beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-1. The away game had already given Jesse Marsch’s team a 2-1 victory.
At 8:57 p.m., the Champions League anthem sounded from the Red Bull Arena boxes. A moment of goosebumps, even without the audience excluded due to the corona pandemic. Because that’s exactly the sound of the football stage that Red Bull Salzburg has been thirsty for so many years.
At 10:52 pm it was safe: Salzburg defeated Israeli champion Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-1 in the second leg of the play-off and advanced to the group stage of the top flight category with a total score of 5-2 . Coach Jesse Marsch’s team was already represented there last year, but for the first time managed to overcome the rocky path of qualification after failing no less than eleven times in eleven attempts since 2006. The cops dragged this load onto the field against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Restless, at times almost inhibited, Salzburg took on the Israelis, weakened by eleven (!) Cases of coronavirus. So Andreas Ulmer and Co. finally shuddered in the Champions League.
It all started as planned: Salzburg surprised with Albert Vallci instead of Rasmus Kristensen in the right-back position and Dominik Szoboszlai in a central role behind the predictions, determining the game in the opening minutes and was rewarded early with the advantage. Patson Daka scored 1-0 after a compromised pass-through from attacking partner Sekou Koita (16.). Enock Mwepu (20th / after Szoboszlai corner) and Koita (28th / after Daka-Assist) then found excellent chances against Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive side, but the goal was scored by the Israelis, who are calm in football. Midfielder Eden Karzev attempted a long-distance shot that Bull goalkeeper Cican Stankovic threw forward. The ball landed again on Karzev, who scored with a hard, flat shot to equalize 1: 1 (30th).
As a result, the Salzburg team developed a clear increase in opportunities, but in the end they always acted too negligently, which did not allow the general uncertainty in the bull team to disappear. But when the moment came, in what was probably the decisive setting of these 90 minutes of play, the young Red Bull Salzburg star did not show his nerves. Dominik Szoboszlai scored a penalty to make it 2-1 (45th) shortly before the half-time whistle. This was preceded by a foul by Maccabi defender Matan Baltaxa on Masaya Okugawa and an uproar from the Israelis’ bench. Maccabi coach Giorgos Donis was banished to the stands by referee Felix Brych wearing yellow and red. Szoboszlai was unimpressed by all this and gave strong goalkeeper Daniel Tenenbaum no chance with the penalty kick. With the lead behind them, Salzburg did not play with more confidence in the second half and could only take a deep breath after 3-1 through Daka. The forward hit his head after a cross from Vallci (68th) and finally shot Salzburg to the Champions League.
This time a mixed performance has been enough, but if this club has learned something in recent years, it is: in those eliminatory duels the objective is to advance. Red Bull Salzburg died in beauty quite often in the Champions League standings.
Voices for the game
Jesse Marsch (Salzburg coach): “We had a bit of stress, but we were strong. We showed our quality in both games. We had three goals after Corona: Cup, League and Champions. Now we have reached the last goal.”
Regarding the past: “The club is more mature, we have learned a lot from the past. My perspective is a bit fresher, we have many young players who have not experienced it.”
Patson Daka (double scorer): “It is very difficult to describe in words. A dream has come true. We have waited a long time for this moment and we have worked very hard to achieve it. We knew that Maccabi would come with everything they have. At the end of the day.” I’m happy that we implemented the coach’s tactics and we succeeded. “
Dominik Szoboszlai (Salzburg scorer): “I’m never nervous in 911, I have my side and I only focus on myself. The most important thing is victory. We ran like we hadn’t done in a long time, we put everything into it.”
Zlatko Junuzovic (Salzburg midfielder): “Of course there was pressure. They didn’t do much for the game, but they were disciplined and held up well, narrowed the spaces. You have to be patient. We scored goals, but then we got in a bit of a rush. We would have it. He can play better once and for all. from time to time, but the pace will keep coming. We are happy to be in the Champions League. “
Regarding the CL: “We can always do a good job, but we have to act like last year: dynamic, attractive, also with ease.”
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