Red Bull Salzburg find themselves down 4-1 on aggregate to German rival Eintracht Frankfurt going into their Europa League last 32 second leg match on Thursday night.
The Austrian team were overwhelmed in the first leg in Germany but managed what could be a significant away goal. Red Bull Salzburg’s chances of winning the Europa League – or going deep into the competition – took a hit by selling Erling Halaand and Takumi Minamino in January.
Even without the duo, Red Bull Salzburg are a strong team and will give Eintracht Frankfurt a difficult time on Thursday night. Eintracht Frankfurt are unbeaten in six of their last eight games. However, they have lost back to back Bundesliga matches being outscored 6-1.
Adi Hutter’s team returned from the winter break in good form but have struggled in recent weeks. Eintracht Frankfurt’s success last season in the Europa League could mean more focus is put on qualifying for the next round than the league.
Next stop: Salzburg ✈️#SALSGE #SGE pic.twitter.com/gF2Ggbcfpu— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) February 26, 2020
Next stop: Salzburg ✈️#SALSGE #SGE pic.twitter.com/gF2Ggbcfpu
Red Bull Salzburg were overwhelmed in the first leg as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada scored a hat-trick. Filip Kostic’s goal helped the Eagles to go 4-0 up by the hour-mark. Hee-chang Hwang pulled a goal back for Red Bull Salzburg, which could be the key goal in the second leg.
The Austrians, who dominate the domestic front, have slumped. They are winless in five of their last six games in all competitions. Three of those games ended in losses.
Andre Silva could start for Eintracht Frankfurt after being rested on Monday against Union Berlin. Defender Martin Hinteregger will most likely start after missing the first leg through suspension.
Red Bull Salzburg will depend on Hwang to get the goals. He has 10 goals in all competitions. However, it could be fellow forward Patson Daka that comes up trumps for the Austrians. He has 19 goals in all competitions this season and could be the Halaand-replacement Salzburg need.
Daka scored a brace at the weekend in the Bundesliga against Austria Vienna. Fellow forward Sekou Koita could be deployed as well for Jesse Marsch’s team as they attempt to overturn a three-goal deficit.
Red Bull Salzburg have the firepower to overturn the tie and win it at home. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt have the potential to capitulate on the road.
Thursday night’s game should see Red Bull Salzburg win with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals scored. Can the Austrians overturn the tie? Don’t be surprised if Red Bull Salzburg force extra-time or progress to the round of 16.