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For example, the fact that the Spanish scored as many goals in the first leg 2: 3 as they have conceded in ten La Liga matches so far. Of course, this also shows how difficult it is to overcome the “Wall of Europe”. And that’s exactly what Salzburg has to do on Wednesday if they want to get into the round of 16.
A draw is not enough, only three points would lift Salzburg against the Spanish in second place. A difficult scenario to imagine in Spain for a club that many already see as the logical champion of this season. With the 2-0 victory over Valladolid, Diego Simeone’s team took the lead in the First Division, and goalkeeper Jan Oblak scored zero for the eighth time. A lonely peak in the major leagues in Europe, and probably beyond.
Not so in the “queen category”: Madrid had to concede at least one goal four times in five games, especially the 4-0 loss to Bayern in this regard. “Yes, the Champions League gives us a headache,” admitted Simeone, whose team has only one win over Salzburg. “It will be a very tough game against Salzburg, a fast, dynamic team that is absolutely competitive and fearless. We will definitely face tough opponents,” he praised the “Bulls.”
Admira’s shameful 0: 1 on Saturday will be forgotten if the sensation triumphs against the top Spanish club. “It’s going to be a very hot game,” said goalkeeper Cican Stankovic as the season highlighted. The anemic appearance against Admira did not underscore the strength of the team, but it could serve as an indication that the kickers are already fully focused on Atlético. “This game is about everything. What happened before doesn’t really matter,” Stankovic said.
Two years ago, only a few were thinking of a possible CL round of 16 with Salzburg. The club, which had failed countless qualifying attempts, looked cursed. Almost two strong group phases in the queen class later, the situation is completely different. The appearances so far have also shown that there is no need to fear a major Spanish club like Atlético: in the away game on October 27, Diego Simeone’s team was 1: 2 behind and only managed a 3: 2 victory. in the 85 minute safe.
Madrid had conceded two goals in a previous home match since September 2019 just once. “With this offense we always play our chances, even against very big teams. I’m very confident that we will have our chances,” Stankovic said before Wednesday’s 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 they are out if they lose,” said the Austrian goalkeeper.
A draw would be enough for Atlético to rise. “They sure have superstars, but it is the team that plays and not the individual players. As a team, in cooperation, we can do even better than them,” said forward Dominik Szoboszlai.
Wednesday could, even if that is highly unlikely, end in utter disappointment. It is then that Lok Moscow wins the side game in Munich and Salzburg loses or draws. That would mean falling behind Lok to fourth place, and that one would no longer overwinter internationally.
A success on Wednesday would take an Austrian team to the knockout stage of the CL for the first time (Sturm Graz reached the second group stage in 2000/01, which replaced the second round at the time). Historically, a Salzburg win definitely would be. Atlético have never lost to an Austrian team in nine games. With eight wins, a 1: 1 for Rapid 1976 in the sixteenth final of the Recopa de Madrid was the highest of sensations, but that was not enough for promotion after Atlético’s 2: 1 in Vienna.
From a financial point of view, a success on Wednesday would be worth it. According to the UEFA premiums 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 one victory (2.7 million euros) and a draw (900,000 euros). If the promotion is successful, that is, another victory, 2.7 million plus an additional 9.5 million euros are added to reach the second round. UEFA has not yet publicly disclosed the structure of the 2020/21 awards. In many places, however, slightly reduced sums are assumed in view of the corona pandemic.
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