Leaders Red Bull Salzburg got a lot of frustration off their chest in a clear 7-0 home win against bottom club Austria Lustenau. The Vorarlberg side suffer their second defeat in a row
Champions Red Bull Salzburg have put the recent discussions about a faltering offense behind them. Salzburg celebrated their first league win of 2024 at the third attempt on Saturday – and what a win it was. The league leaders rolled over the completely overtaxed bottom team Austria Lustenau at home with a 7:0 (4:0) win and extended their lead over their closest rivals Sturm Graz to five points for the time being. The team from Graz will host WSG Tirol on Sunday
Lustenau remain the “Bulls'” favorite opponents. It was the eighth win in a row against the Vorarlberg side. Since their relegation, there has been one 6:0, two 4:0 and now the highest win of the season. The goals in front of 8,891 spectators were scored by Fernando (4th, 32nd), Kjaergaard (18th), Gloukh (54th) and Konate (72nd). There were also own goals from Lins (13) and Maak (88). It was Fernando’s first league goals in more than a year. The long-injured Brazilian had also scored twice against Lustenau in February 2023
Fernando scores a brace
Salzburg coach Struber returned to his usual 4-4-2 system with a midfield diamond after the recent dry spell. In the three competitive matches after the winter break, including two 1-1 draws in the league, he had opted for a three-man defense. Gourna-Douath moved into the team in defensive midfield instead of Diambou. Terzic made his comeback in the starting eleven on the left side of defense, while the trained central defender Daniliuc helped out at right back.
Lustenau’s new coach Heraf replaced the entire midfield and left captain Grabher on the bench for the time being. However, his tactics did not work at all. After just three minutes, Sucic broke through and served the ball to Fernando, who finished in the five-meter area. A Fernando header was saved by Lustenau goalkeeper Schierl (9′), another from his fellow striker Ratkov smacked against the right bar (10′).
The Salzburgers repeatedly combined unhindered. This was also the case at 2:0, when Lins pushed a cross from Terzic over his own line. The Vorarlberg defense looked completely overwhelmed and hardly put up any resistance. Kjaergaard scored after a one-two with Gloukh, before failing to beat Schierl a little later (25′). Before Fernando’s second goal, the ball ran through half a dozen stations, with Ratkov ultimately serving him the ball
Lustenau suffer their next setback
Gloukh missed a great chance to make it 5:0 when left alone in front of Schierl (39′). The Israeli did better after the break and struck after Sucic’s header. Salzburg continued to create chances almost by the minute – for example through Fernando (46) and Terzic (48). At the other end, Leo Mikic had the only goalscoring opportunities, but rolled the ball past the far corner (55′) or pushed it into the hands of Salzburg goalkeeper Schlager (60′).
Africa Cup winner Konate scored between the legs of Schierl after a pass from substitute Koita. The final goal was scored by Koita himself, whose shot was deflected unstoppably into his own goal by Maak. Salzburg celebrated their highest league win since 2019. The highest victories in the club’s history in the Bundesliga remain two 8-0 wins against Grödig in 2014 and Admira in 2015. Lustenau conceded their 15th defeat in the last 17 league games, their highest of the season in the third game under Heraf. Salzburg are now unbeaten in nine league games. Another home game against Austria Klagenfurt awaits next Sunday (17:00).
