NEWS
Lucky Punch! Tabakovic decides first leg late for Salzburg
The match is interrupted for two hours due to heavy rain. As against Hartberg, Salzburg can only convert their superiority into a goal late.
In the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, FC Salzburg wins 1-0 against Pafos FC thanks to a late Tabakovic goal.
Salzburg started the match against Pafos with momentum, but stronger than the Bulls was only the downpour that fell over the City of Mozart.
A good fifteen minutes after kick-off, the pitch was so waterlogged that a meaningful football match was no longer conceivable. Referee Sylwestrzak therefore interrupted the match; for almost two hours, there was uncertainty as to whether the remainder of the game could still take place that same evening.
Two-hour delay due to rain
When the match could be resumed at 9:15 PM, the "Bulls" immediately continued to play dominantly. However, real scoring opportunities remained scarce because, despite overwhelming possession, Salzburg too rarely managed to get a shot away.
It was still 0-0 at half-time, with Diakite coming closest to scoring with a long-range shot before the interruption.
Salzburg takes a long time again
The second half began with the same Salzburg superiority but without clear scoring chances. Captain Veratschnig sent a free-kick just over the bar soon after the restart, Zabransky missed with a volley after a corner (56th minute), then Pafos started to threaten more.
Dragomir narrowly missed with a header (57th minute), and Lele was even alone in front of goal after a shocking mistake by the Salzburg defence. Keeper Zawieschitzky just managed to take the ball off Lele's feet (61st minute).
Even with the switch to a two-striker formation featuring Tabakovic and Konate, Salzburg did not become more dangerous; the latter missed the duo's best chance in the 76th minute.
On the follow-up
Shortly before the end, the redemptive 1-0 for Salzburg: Veratschnig laid the ball off for Tabakovic, whose first shot was blocked. However, the rebound landed right back with the Salzburg striker, who netted on the second attempt.
In added time, Pafos player Sema received a second yellow card for a foul on Aguilar, who fell unluckily on his hand and had to go for an X-ray with a splint on his arm. A fracture is feared.
The second leg in Cyprus takes place on Thursday (13.8.).
