Matchday two of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga and our team was a guest at the home of vice-champions RB Salzburg. Pep Ljinders’ eleven wanted to build on their successful league opener against GAK and their win in the CL qualifiers against Twente Enschede, also looking to secure points today at the Bull Arena. However, there were rotations in several positions, including Maurits Kjaergaard starting on the bench.
Coach Gerald Scheiblehner made some changes to the starting lineup following the 1:0 victory against Wiener Austria. Dantas and Ibertsberger started the match. As expected, there was high intensity right from the first minute. Salzburg took command early on, and the first scoring opportunity was only a matter of time. Our number 1, Niki Schmid, distinguished himself against Capaldo in the eighth minute. Our team got into the game defensively and was also able to create several dangerous needle pricks, managing to take a 1:0 lead in the 12th minute. After a long ball from their own half, Dobras set up Noß perfectly, who marked his first goal of the season. The well-filled away section erupted.
Everyone eagerly awaited the reaction from the Bulls, which didn’t take long. In the 15th minute, Gloukh scored, assisted by Dedic, bringing the score to 1:1. Pep Ljinders’ team searched for momentum, wanted more, and put the Königsblauen under pressure. Blau-Weiß continued with their dangerous attacks – in the 20th minute, it was Noß again who found the net, but unfortunately was just offside. An open exchange of blows developed – the Linzers threw everything into the game but still conceded a goal in the 35th minute. Ratkov provided the assist, and again it was Gloukh who found the scoresheet. Shortly afterward, the Blau-Weiß breathed a sigh of relief – once more, Gloukh failed, this time missing out on a hat trick. Moments later, the teams went into the locker rooms with Salzburg leading 2:1.
At the start of the second half, the hosts sought an early decision. It was always Ratkov and the fired-up Gloukh! Our boys could hardly provide any relief – the third goal was only a matter of time, and it came in the 63rd minute. Yeo, unstoppable down the left, laid off for Gloukh, who completed his hat trick with a 3:1 score. Salzburg wanted more and created chances. The recently substituted Nene was unstoppable and caused constant trouble. However, it was another player who made it 4:1. Yeo scored in the 74th minute, and just three minutes later, the sub Bidstrup made it 5:1.
Salzburg then shifted down a gear in the final phase, with upcoming tasks on their minds. In the end, the clear 5:1 victory stood.
A big compliment goes once again to the fans of FC Blau-Weiß Linz! Over the entire match and beyond, their support was phenomenal, and they properly bid farewell to the team.