Red Bull Salzburg broke the ban on goals and points in the Football Champions League in the fourth game. Despite major personnel concerns and poor performances in recent weeks, the Bulls celebrated a deserved 3-1 (1-0) win at Feyenoord Rotterdam on Wednesday and may have started a turnaround. Karim Konate (45 + 2, 58th) and Daouda Guindo (86th) scored the first CL goals of the season at Salzburg, Konate didn’t even miss a triple from the penalty spot (85th).
Feyenoord’s goal by Anis Moussa (81st) came too late, Salzburg went to 30th place in the table at half-time with a possible three points. However, given the opponents Bayer Leverkusen (November 26 / away), Paris Saint-Germain (December 10 / home), Real Madrid (January 22, 2025 / a) and finally Atletico Madrid (January 29 / h ), you are literally facing. one huge challenge in every sense of the word.
Shortage of personnel: Lijnders had to improvise
Salzburg’s performance defied all expectations. Apart from the lack of results, the starting position of the visitors was extremely poor. Lijnders had to play almost a full team due to injuries, illnesses and the suspension of goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, but the dice turned out well again. Among other things, Nicolas Capaldo was assigned to the position on the left, and a chain of three new men Bobby Clark, Lucas Gourna-Douath and Mamady Diambou worked in the middle of the field.
But the “Netelf” quickly forgot this characteristic. Feyenoord started much better and had two good moments. First, the defensive center Trauner gave a chance to the striker Ibrahim Osman with one of his precise passes (3rd), a little later Janis Blaswich, instead of the suspended Alexander Schlager, was there against Paixao (8th). But Salzburg quickly found their way into the game and then kept it completely open.
The visitors’ pressing and counter-pressing worked much better than in previous weeks, and the Dutch were barely able to come into their own. And even if the numerous victories in the ball did not lead to anything really dangerous, they managed to get the upper hand shortly before the break. Of course, Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther took an unfortunate hit. Konate was eventually crossed by Oscar Gloukh, who went completely alone from close range.
As expected, the Dutch opened the second half dynamically, Peixao was only a few centimeters short of the equalizer (47 ‘). But Salzburg remained aggressive and was immediately back in the game. Trauner blocked another chance from Gloukh (52nd), but six minutes later Konate silenced the 50,000 capacity stadium: After a corner and a header from Kamil Piatkowski, the ball fell at Konate’s feet and the Ivorian shot in quickly.
The goal was linked red, but Salzburg responded
Feyenoord then tried to score again and they also had their chances. Like Trauner (73rd), Bart Nieuwkoop (68th) and Chris-Kevin Nadje (71st) were still unlucky for the time being. The latter then began a wild final stage with a red foul on Gourna-Dúaigh. First Moussa net to make it 1-2, a little later Konate hit the bar from the spot after a David Hanckos penalty kick on Capaldo (85 ‘). Shortly after, Guindo made the decision with a beautiful shot under the crossbar.
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive with Football Analyst Dr. Sarah Klein
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Klein. It’s great to have you here to discuss Red Bull Salzburg’s recent performance in the Champions League. Their 3-1 win against Feyenoord must have been quite the spectacle, especially given their recent struggles.
Dr. Sarah Klein (K): Thank you for having me! It was indeed an impressive turnaround for Salzburg. They faced a lot of adversity leading up to the match, yet they managed to secure their first goals and points in the Champions League this season. That’s a monumental relief for them!
E: Absolutely! They were under significant pressure with injuries and the suspension of their goalkeeper, Alexander Schlager. How did coach Lijnders manage the formation with such a depleted squad?
K: Lijnders had to think on his feet, which he did admirably. He placed Nicolas Capaldo in a somewhat unconventional left-back position and introduced three new players in the midfield. This level of improvisation speaks volumes about his tactical acumen. The team’s ability to adapt, especially against a strong side like Feyenoord, really stood out.
E: Speaking of adaptability, it must have been a challenge for the players to step into new roles. How did they handle this pressure, particularly during the game?
K: You could see the resilience in their performance. Salburg’s players were keen to make an impact, and while the first half was shaky, they grew into the game. Karim Konate was a standout, scoring two goals and demonstrating that despite the turmoil, they could find a way to convert opportunities. Their mental fortitude really shone through.
E: Yet, there was also a moment of concern when Konate missed a penalty. How do you think that could have affected the team’s morale?
K: It could have been a double-edged sword. Missing a penalty in such a crucial match could deflate a team, but Konate’s quick rebound with another goal showed composure and determination. It’s all about mindset. Players like him often bounce back stronger from such situations, and the overall result certainly supports that theory.
E: With Salzburg now facing formidable opponents like Bayer Leverkusen, PSG, and Real Madrid, what do you think their prospects are for the remainder of the group stage?
K: It’s a daunting schedule ahead. The upcoming matches will test their recent momentum. However, the win over Feyenoord could serve as a turning point. If they maintain their newfound confidence, they’ll pose a challenge to even the best teams. But they’ll need to remain tight defensively and continue capitalizing on any opportunities they create.
E: do you think this victory could be a catalyst for further success this season?
K: It certainly has the potential to be. Building on this win can reignite their league and Champions League campaigns. If they navigate their injuries wisely and continue to play with intensity and unity, they could surprise a few teams. Football is often about momentum, and Salzburg may just have found theirs.
E: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights. It’s fascinating to see how adaptability and strategy can turn the tide in such competitive environments.
K: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the beautiful game and analyze the nuances that make it so unpredictable and exciting.
E: We look forward to seeing how the rest of the Champions League unfolds for Red Bull Salzburg.
