Salzburg beat WSG Tirol 3-0 to end unbeaten home run

Red Bull Salzburg beat WSG Tirol 3-0 at Tivoli Stadium on Sunday, with Karim Konate, Frans Krätzig and Sota Kitano scoring for the visitors, ORF reported. WSG remained without a win and stayed on one point after three rounds.

Salzburg returned to winning ways after two draws in competitive matches. The unbeaten side moved to seven points, level with runners-up Sturm Graz. The match also served as Salzburg’s final preparation for Thursday’s Europa League play-off first leg against Mjällby.

Salzburg coach Danny Röhl made several changes after Thursday’s demanding European match in Cyprus. Only goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky, centre-back Valentin Zabransky, midfielder Abubakr Barry and forwards Damir Redzic and Yorbe Vertessen retained their places in the starting line-up. Haris Tabakovic, who had scored three goals in the previous match, was among those rested.

WSG made two changes from the 3-1 defeat at Altach. Marc Striednig replaced Nemanja Celic in central midfield, while Thomas Goiginger started in the No. 10 role instead of Nikolai Baden Frederiksen, who was not yet at full fitness.

The hosts held their own early on, but Salzburg struck twice in quick succession. Konate fired into the high near corner in the 15th minute after a pass from Krätzig. Krätzig then made it 2-0 two minutes later, profiting after a cross from Redzic deflected off WSG defender Satin and fell back to the Salzburg left-back.

WSG created the better chances after falling behind but failed to convert them. Lukas Hinterseer’s chip hit the post in the 30th minute, and Michael Olakigbe was denied by Zawieschitzky shortly afterwards. In first-half stoppage time, Hinterseer also saw a penalty saved after Zabransky was judged to have blocked a Striednig shot with his hand. Zawieschitzky then stopped Striednig’s follow-up, which was also cleared via the post.

Salzburg controlled the second half with little difficulty. In the 70th minute, Barry won the ball in a challenge with Gschösser and set up substitute Kitano, who beat Salko Hamzic to complete the scoring. Hamzic later prevented a heavier defeat by saving a volley from Nikolas Veratschnig.

The result ended WSG’s run of five unbeaten home matches. Salzburg responded immediately to their first dropped points of the season, a 1-1 draw at WAC.