The dethroned champion Red Bull Salzburg has stylishly kicked off the new season of the Football Bundesliga. In the first league match under coach Pep Lijnders, the Bulls celebrated a 3-2 (3-2) victory against GAK, who were playing with a lot of promotion excitement. After falling behind 0-2 early on in a fast-paced match, they managed to equalize at 2-2 but ultimately had to concede to Salzburg in their first top-flight match in 17 years.
Rapid Start in Graz-Liebenau
An own goal by Benjamin Rosenberger (4.) and a goal from Dorgeles Nene (6.) gave Salzburg a 2-0 lead. Michael Lang (10.) and Romeo Vucic (18.) quickly equalized thanks to two perfect counterattacks. A penalty from Karim Konate (45.+2) just before halftime ultimately sealed the decision and a deserved victory for the visitors. This also provided them with a head start for the Champions League qualifying first leg against Twente Enschede (3rd round) on Tuesday (8:45 PM in the S24-LIVE TICKER).
Shortly after the departures of regular players Strahinja Pavlovic and Luka Sucic, Lijnders deployed the same lineup that had previously beaten Dornbirn 6-0 in the cup. At GAK, center-back Martin Kreuzriegler, who sustained a shoulder injury in the final training session and will need to rest for around 4 to 6 weeks, was replaced by Lukas Graf. In attack, Romeo Vucic came in for the injured Daniel Maderner.
The match had not yet reached the four-minute mark when the ball found the net in front of 9,107 spectators at GAK. Benjamin Rosenberger inadvertently sent the ball into his own net after a quick advance from the guests and a cross from Aleksa Terzic – this would not be the only mistake for the 28-year-old that evening. For the moment, however, they had to digest another shock. Less than two minutes later, Salzburg dissected the five-man defense with a pass to Nene, who skillfully lifted the ball over goalkeeper Jakob Meierhofer from a tight angle. Everything pointed to a clear favorite’s victory.
Bulls Defense Vulnerable Against GAK
However, GAK also wanted to have a share in the spectacle during their historic appearance. Out of nowhere, the home side celebrated after a beautiful combination, with Lang showing Nene no less feeling and precision. From the edge of the penalty area, he curled the ball with the outside of his foot, leaving goalkeeper Janis Blaswich helpless as it found the far corner. The Red Jackets kept their aim open, and new captain Blaswich was soon called into action against a shot from Dominik Frieser (14), but was later helpless. Vucic crowned the comeback with the equalizer after a quick transition play – once again, the Salzburg defense appeared vulnerable.
Overall, the league heavyweight was back on the front foot and closer to a fifth goal of the evening. Meierhofer had to make double saves amidst the chaos against Adam Daghim and Konate (23), and before halftime, Nene also came close from a similar position as in the 1-0 (29), with Amar Dedic narrowly missing the far post with a shot (39). Ultimately, it took a handball by Rosenberger in the penalty area and the ensuing penalty from Konate for Salzburg to take a 3-2 lead into halftime.
Bundesliga Debutant Daghim Hits the Post
After the break, not much changed in the dynamics, although there was less intensity. Salzburg clearly dictated the game. Nene (51.) and Bundesliga debutant Daghim with a curling shot that hit the post (57.) remained unlucky, thus GAK continued to have the point within reach until the final whistle. In one of the rare offensive actions, they cheered for a 3-3, but captain Marco Perchtold was ruled offside (73). Towards the end, substitute Petar Ratkov wasted a good chance for Salzburg (89), while Blaswich made a save just before the approaching Dominik Frieser on the other end.
GAK – Red Bull Salzburg
(Source: APA)