Champions League: Salzburg totally focused on promotion

Almost exactly one year ago, hopes for a “magical night” with a 2-0 loss exploded at Liverpool. Back then it was time for Salzburg to move on to the Europa League. This time not even a draw could be enough for a winter in the European Cup. The worst-case prerequisite from Salzburg’s point of view is that the final result of Lok Moscow wins against the still undefeated group champion Bayern Munich.

Atlético, however, would suffice on Wednesday at Wals-Siezenheim. In case of defeat, the leaders of the Spanish First Division would have been eliminated in the round of 16. “We have been talking about this moment since June. With our team and mentality we always have a chance at home, ”Marsch said and was optimistic about promoting Salzburg.

Respect, but not fear

“It’s going to be a very hot game,” said goalkeeper Cican Stankovic, looking forward to the climax of the season until now. For the team goalkeeper, the chances of promotion are realistic. “With this offense we always play our chances, even against very big teams. I am very confident that we will have our chances, “Stankovic said before the rematch. There is respect for Luis Suárez y Cía., But also confidence in oneself. “A team with many stars, with a very compact, very aggressive style of play. But they also know that if they lose they will be out, ”said the Austrian team goalkeeper.

Dominik Szoboszlai sees it in a similar way. “They sure have superstars, but it’s the team, not individual players. As a team, in cooperation, we can do even better than them, ”said the Hungarian. From a financial point of view, a success on Wednesday would be worth it. According to the European Football Association (UEFA) bonuses from the previous season, Salzburg have already earned around 33 million euros: 14.4 million euros from the ranking of coefficients, 15.25 million euros for participating in the group stage, plus a win (2.7 million euros) and a draw (900,000 euros). If the promotion is successful, that is, another victory, an additional 2.7 million plus an additional 9.5 million euros are added for reaching the knockout stages.

“New group” for the confrontation

That the “final” against the two-time Champions League finalists (2014, 2016) is firmly anchored in the minds of the players was evident over the weekend. From a rotation the eleven of the “Bulls” with the 0: 1 in the Admira were unknown weaknesses. But that should be the news yesterday. “We wanted to have a new group (for Atlético, note),” Marsch said.

And now you have this new group too. Everybody is physically there, even forward Patson Daka is “one hundred percent”. Apart from the long-term injured Antoine Bernede, who has already returned to training, only the suspended central midfielder Mohamed Camara is missing. Marsch didn’t worry: “We are very flexible.”

Little things like the key to success

With all the excitement (“One of the greatest games in club history”), it is important to be fully focused on tactical guidelines, Marsch said. It requires “self-confidence, aggressiveness, our power and passion”, but also the head. “We have to be aggressive, but also smart, patient. We also have to understand that it is not necessary to win the game in the first 20 or 30 minutes. “

Respect for the enemy was, of course, audible. “At the moment, Atlético is a great team,” Marsch said. “You received some goals and you played well. It will be very tight from the beginning. The two teams don’t give much. “Mergim Berisha, who with four goals, the fifth own goal for Atlético Felipe’s defender, is the sixth best scorer in the premier class, full of self-confidence:” We have shown very often that we are against. to keep up with such an opponent. The little things have been decided. “

Atlético’s defense on two sides

Atlético is known for its defensive strength. In the league, where they have only conceded two goals in ten games so far, the colchoneros are difficult to beat, but in the premier category they have already conceded eight goals in five games, and two of them against Salzburg. “We have already scored two goals in the first leg, which means that we also show what we can achieve, most recently in Moscow (3: 1, note), at Bayern (1: 3) and also in Madrid,” he said . Walk firmly. In the first leg against Salzburg on October 27, Atlético were 2-1 behind and only managed a 3-2 win in the 85th minute.

However, Wednesday could end in total disappointment, even if that’s highly unlikely. It is then that Lok Moscow wins the side game in Munich and Salzburg loses or draws. That would mean the relapse behind Lok to fourth place and thus close the door to go to the Europa League. “Our view on the table is directed upwards,” defensive man Maximlian Wöber said. “What do we have to do to defeat them? Where can we hurt them? We put everything else aside, we have no influence on that. “

Madrileños are not looking for a draw

The Spanish also prepare for a heated exchange of blows. “Salzburg are a very good, brave team with very fast players who are very strong in set pieces and in conquering the ball,” said coach Diego Simeone, who is reluctant to be pushed into the role of favorites. “I respect all opinions, but we know that a very strong opponent awaits us. We will try to put our stamp on a tough opponent and achieve our goal, ”said the Argentine.

One thing is certain: the enough point is not Atlético’s goal. “We know that one point is enough for us, but we did not go out on the pitch to draw, we are going to win,” said Atlético central defender Stefan Savic. He called the meeting with Salzburg “indeed” a “final”. “It certainly won’t be easy on defense because they have strong players on offense. But we also have good players and players on offense who can decide a game, ”said the 29-year-old Montenegrin.