Europa League: Salzburg played well against Basel

In Austria, January is a month that invites you more to winter sports events than to football matches. It wasn’t just Salzburg’s spokesman who preferred the Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, most of the fans are probably still in ski fever at the moment. On Thursday, 6,741 spectators found their way into the stadium at temperatures well below freezing.

Those who stayed at home missed a dream start for the home team. Youngster Alajbegovic intercepted a disastrous pass from Basel’s ÖFB defender Daniliuc. One hook and one deflected shot later, Salzburg led 1-0 (4th). The most noticeable Swiss people in the stadium were the around 1,500 fans who traveled with them. But their singing couldn’t light a fire under Shaqiri and Co.’s asses.

Alajbegovic in particular was at operating temperature. The 18-year-old once again did what he does best – shoot. He irresistibly moved from the left side to the middle and shot from 18 meters. The ball passed exactly under the crossbar – 2-0 (12th). This is how coach Letsch imagined the start of the first competitive game, Kitano almost increased the score (17th).

Salzburg was enthusiastic about the game, delivered some great moves and had everything under control against the inferior team from Basel. And that with the third-youngest starting eleven ever in the Europa League (average age 21.6 years).

While Basel was now completely out of sorts, Salzburg was increasingly reminiscent of the good old days. Vertessen was unlucky with a shot from the pole (33′). In central defense, Gadou and recruit Schuster (completed basic training with the armed forces) did well. It will be difficult for defense chief Rasmussen to get back into the team. Full-back Krätzig ended Salzburg’s best half in what felt like an eternity – 3-0 (35th).

After the break, Salzburg took things a little quieter and conceded 3-1 through Agbonifo (56′). Alajbegovic hit the crossbar (62′). Overall, it was a positive evening for Salzburg. Coach Letsch wanted to build momentum for a strong spring – and he succeeded. And it’s worth taking a look at the table in the Europa League now. Salzburg has a chance of making it to the top 24 again. But that requires a win at Aston Villa. The English have already booked their ticket to the round of 16 and will probably rest some stars.