Red Bull Salzburg returned to winning ways with a decisive 3:0 victory over WSG Tirol in the Austrian Bundesliga on Sunday, marking their first win since two consecutive draws. The match took place in Innsbruck, where Salzburg's trio of goals, scored by Karim Konate, Frans Krätzig, and Sota Kitano, secured a commanding lead and kept them undefeated after three rounds of the season. With seven points, Salzburg now shares the top spot with second-place runners-up Sturm Graz. The game began with immediate intensity, as both teams sought control early on. Within minutes, Salzburg struck first through Konate, who capitalized on a well-placed assist from Krätzig in the 15th minute. Just moments later, Krätzig doubled the advantage with another goal, completing a swift double strike that left the WSG Tirol defense scrambling. The third goal came in the 70th minute from Kitano, ensuring Salzburg’s dominance throughout the match. Salzburg coach Danny Röhl made several changes to his lineup following a recent European Cup match in Cyprus. While some key players such as goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky, defender Valentin Zabransky, midfielder Abubakr Barry, and forwards Damir Redzic and Yorbe Vertessen started, others including Haris Tabakovic and captain Nikolas Veratschnig were rested. This decision allowed for fresh legs to face WSG Tirol, which had made two changes compared to its previous match against Altach. WSG Tirol struggled to respond effectively to Salzburg’s early onslaught. Despite efforts from players like Lukas Hinterseer, whose shot narrowly missed the target, and Michael Olakigbe, who was denied by Zawieschitzky, the home side failed to convert their chances into goals. A potential penalty in the first half was saved by Salzburg’s goalkeeper, and further attempts by Hinterseer and Striednig were thwarted, keeping the scoreline unchanged at halftime. After the break, Salzburg maintained their composure and controlled the tempo of the game. They continued to press forward, with Barry making crucial runs down the right flank before delivering a cross to Kitano, who scored with precision. Although WSG Tirol managed to keep the deficit at one goal until the late stages, they could not find an equalizer despite several opportunities. This result ended WSG Tirol’s five-match unbeaten streak at home, a run that had included notable performances against other top teams. The loss comes at a challenging time for the club, particularly as they face ongoing challenges related to stadium modernization projects in Wattens. With this win, Salzburg has reinforced their position at the top of the league table, setting up an exciting upcoming fixture in the Europa League. Their next challenge will be a crucial play-off match against Mjällby, scheduled for Thursday. As the team continues to build momentum, fans are hopeful that this performance signals a return to form for the former champions.
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