Salzburg draws in Genk to kick off Youth League campaign

FC Salzburg starts the new Youth League season with a draw.

Away at KRC Genk, the first leg on Wednesday afternoon ends in a 1-1 draw. Grudzinskas puts the "Young Bulls" ahead (15'). Moorthamer equalizes for the hosts (56').

Deep into stoppage time, Salzburg keeper Hupfauf saves his team from defeat with a strong save.

Attacking Start

Both teams approach the opening minutes offensively. The advanced left-back Zangerl has Salzburg's first shot, missing the target (6'). On the other side, Driessen shoots over after a quick advance (8').

The "Young Bulls" then play more decisively than the Belgians and celebrate a 1-0 lead after a quarter of an hour: a Matjasec corner finds the head of Grudzinskas, who scores to put them ahead (15').

After that, the Belgians become more active, with the wingers in particular providing attacking impetus. In the 37th minute, Salzburg's goalkeeper Hupfauf parries a Balde shot that dangerously headed for the far post.

Genk nearly with the Lucky Punch

At halftime, ÖFB U17 Vice World Champion Pokorny stays in the dressing room. Onwuzulike replaces him and sees Hupfauf immediately have to save a Genk shot (48').

About ten minutes later, the Salzburg keeper has to pick the ball out of his net. After a cross from the right side, defender Moorthamer scores from close range to make it 1-1 (56').

Subsequently, Galm's eleven lag somewhat behind. The hosts are more dominant and have a great chance for a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute. However, Ogbeiwi heads his shot over the goal.

On the other side, a deflected Werner shot almost drops into the Belgians' goal (75').

The final phase is hectic on both sides, with technical errors creeping in. Deep into stoppage time, Hupfauf saves Salzburg from defeat with a brilliant save (90'+4).

In the end, Salzburg and Genk part ways with a 1-1 draw. The return leg will take place next Tuesday (November 3, 2 PM) at the Red Bull Academy.

Youth League Format

FC Salzburg and KRC Genk are the reigning U18 champions of their respective countries. Both clubs entered the competition via the Domestic Champions Path in the second of three qualifying rounds. Salzburg had already taken this path in the 2016/17 season, when they were able to celebrate the Youth League title.

After the third qualifying round, the teams from the Domestic Champions Path and the Champions League Path will be merged starting from the Round of 32.

In terms of personnel, the "Young Bulls" squad is made up of players from FC Liefering and the U18 team of the Red Bull Academy. The coach is Liefering coach Danny Galm.