The “bulls” shook off the defeat of Graz with a callous appearance in the second half at the blatant outsider TSV Hartberg (2:0). Thanks to goals from the South American duo Fernando (50th) and Nicolas Capaldo (60th), Salzburg hold six points after three rounds and are one point behind LASK in second place before Sunday’s games.
After the league defeat at Sturm Graz, the Champions League starter made three changes. Right-back Amar Dedic and centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic made solid starting XI debuts. Offensive options Sekou Koita and Junior Adamu were absent with ankle problems. Coach Matthias Jaissle also watched the game at home in front of the TV because of tonsillitis. He was represented on the line by his assistant Florens Koch and a busy sports director Christoph Freund.
Hartberg was caught twice in the early stages after a courageous move up by Salzburg counterattacks: Benjamin Sesko put the ball in front of Rene Swete first to the left (13′) and then just wide of the goal (19′). Freund had previously confirmed in the Sky interview that the 19-year-old striker would not be released in the summer transfer window.
Salzburg’s initial pressure subsided – and Hartberg came up with long balls for the first offensive scenes. In the 26th minute, Seth Paintsil fooled the Salzburg defence, Philipp Köhn grabbed the next precious scooter safely. Shortly thereafter, the goalie made another blunder of the young season by sailing under a high-bouncing ball well in front of his goal. Paintsil, however, did not put the ball in the orphaned goal under pressure from the opponent.
TSV coach Klaus Schmidt’s plan worked during this phase. His team cleverly concentrated the center with a five-man chain and three deep midfielders. The favorites played less and less offensively before Fernando tested Swete again with a central shot (43′). At halftime Freund was only able to record three shots towards the Hartberg case – and typed text messages on his mobile phone with moderate satisfaction.
Salvation from Salzburg’s point of view came early in the second half. Fernando sped past Mario Sonnleitner in a running duel after taking the ball a bit fortunately and used his own margin. Ten minutes later, a fine change of game by the well-disposed Luka Sucic initiated the decision. Wöber put it across and Capaldo pushed the ball over the line from close range. Sonnleitner probably slipped decisively in the center.
Hartberg remained dangerous, especially through Paintsil’s expansive dribbles, his strike partner Dario Tadic remained pale in the absence of Donis Avdijaj, who had moved to Zurich. And thanks to their defensive uncompromising nature, Salzburg were no longer embarrassed on the way to their second win of the season. The short appearance ended bitterly for youngster Mamady Diambou, who saw yellow-red (84th/90th) within a short time after being substituted on.
A Carinthian home double against WAC and Austria Klagenfurt is now waiting for Salzburg. After two defeats in a row, Hartberg is making a guest appearance in Lustenau and at Rapid.
Source: Nachrichten
