Konaté’s double clears Salzburg’s path to the Europa League

In front of 7,654 fans at the Red Bull Salzburg stadium, the striker’s Doppelpack opened the way for Salzburg into the Europa League, as Karim Konaté’s two goals before his injury secured the decisive advantage. The win capped a 3‑0 second‑leg triumph over Swedish champions Mjällby AIF, completing a 4‑0 aggregate.

Konaté’s double and injury

The Angreifer Karim Konaté struck in the 61st and 67th minutes, delivering the crucial Treffer that put Salzburg ahead. After his second Tor, the attacker was forced off with a leg injury, a painful Anschluss that left the team relying on Haris Tabaković for the Schlusspunkt in the 80th minute.

Tabaković, who also scored in the Hinspiel, added the third goal after a precise Ball pass from captain Nikolas Veratschnig. His Treffer marked the fifth time in four European cup matches that the Bosnian has found the net for the Red Bull side.

Coach Danny Röhl altered only one position from the first leg, moving Tabaković to the front line while Yorbe Vertessen shifted to support. The Bullen controlled the game in front of a home crowd, but the early phase saw few clear chances against the deep‑lying block of Schwedens Meister Mjällby AIF.

In the first half, Salzburg’s attempts were limited; a shot from Edmund Baidoo missed narrowly, and a reverse‑position play failed to produce a result. The team increased its Schlagzahl after the break, with Abubakr Barry forcing a long‑range effort from Robin Wallinder.

After the pause, Tabaković’s assist set up a chance that Konaté missed with a volley, but three minutes later the Ivorian capitalised on a corner and a rebound from Redzic to restore the lead. Shortly after his second goal, Konaté suffered a non‑contact injury and was taken off on a stretcher.

Salzburg’s record against Swedish clubs remains perfect, having won all four home matches in their history. Under Röhl, the Bullen are unbeaten after eight competitive games this season and have kept five clean sheets.

“So eine Qualifikation ist nicht einfach,” Röhl said, praising the defensive performance. Captain Veratschnig added, “We are very happy, it was our big goal to progress.” Defender Valentin Zabransky concluded, “I am megahappy with the defence; keeping a clean sheet lets us focus on scoring.”