Salzburg makes history: “The most beautiful evening of my career”
RB Salzburg made history on Wednesday with their first entry into the Champions Ague round of 16. Its great euphoria prevailed on the part of the Austrians after the 1-0 win against Sevilla.
After the game there is great jubilation at Salzburg.
GEPA images
As the first Austrian club ever, RB Salzburg will qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday. The domestic series champions defeated FC Sevilla 1-0 thanks to the gold goal from Noah Okafor (50th) and thus moved in behind group winners Lille as second in the round of 16.
Champions League, 6th matchday
After the entry in the history books, people from Salzburg were emotional. “I am speechless and extremely proud of the whole team. We are enjoying the moment now,” Okafor told “ServusTV” after the match.
“Exclamation mark for Austrian football”
Karim Adeyemi, who had prepared the goal of his strike partner in an exemplary manner, was no less happy: “I can’t describe my feelings. I’m just overjoyed to be able to progress with such a great team.” Andreas Ulmer hit a similar line: “That was a big exclamation point for all of Austrian football.”
The most emotional reaction was Rasmus Kristensen, who even burst into tears in the interview: “It was definitely the best evening of my career, a great feeling. We deserve it.” It is “madness” to be in the Champions League round of 16 now.
The fact that it came to this point was also thanks to a perfect tactical alignment. Contrary to their own game philosophy, Matthias Jaissle’s team initially limited itself to defending and left the game to Sevilla. A circumstance that Andalusians couldn’t cope with, especially in the first half.
Seville heads the crossbar, Salzburg hits
And yet the party could have taken a big turn in the 48th minute, but a header from the completely detached Munir El Haddadi only landed on the crossbar. Okafor made it 1-0 120 seconds later. “You have phases against a top team that you have to survive,” said Jaissle, referring to the first five minutes after the break. At the latest, the yellow-red card from Joan Jordan (64.) is ultimately the decision.
Overall, Jaissle attested his team “a really good game”. “I’m very happy that the boys have rewarded themselves.” Desired opponent for the round of 16 – the draw will take place on Monday at 12 noon – the German did not want to reveal anyone: “We’ll take everyone who comes.”