Red Bull Salzburg aim to seal Europa League spot despite injuries

Red Bull Salzburg travel to Cyprus on Thursday at 19:00 CET to defend their 1‑0 first‑leg advantage against Pafos FC in the Europa League qualifying play‑off, with a mini‑lead that could secure a fixed place in a European cup group stage.

First‑leg advantage and stakes

The Bullen earned a 1‑0 win in the Hinspiel thanks to a late goal by Haris Tabakovic, giving Salzburg a mini‑lead heading into the return match. Promotion would guarantee a start place in the Europacup‑Ligaphase, turning the tie into a decisive step toward European competition.

Salzburg coach Danny Röhl warned that the task will be “hard, emotional and heated”, recalling Pafos’s comeback record from the previous qualifying round where they overturned a 0‑2 deficit against Hajduk Split with a 4‑0 extra‑time win.

Tabakovic echoed the coach’s caution, insisting the team must stay dominant and not hide, adding that he has previously played in Cyprus and knows how intense the atmosphere can be.

Striker Karim Konaté stressed the need to convert chances more efficiently, noting that recent games have shown a weakness in finishing that the team must rectify.

Injuries and preparation

Röhl will be without several key players: Enrique Aguilar is recovering from arm‑fracture surgery, Soumaila Diabate and Gaoussou Diakite are sidelined with thigh injuries, Stefan Lainer (foot), Johannes Moser (adductors), Justin Omoregie and Anrie Chase (both thigh) remain unavailable, while Edmund Baidoo’s status is still under review.

Despite the absences, Röhl remains confident, pointing out that all three forwards have scored in the last three games, providing depth in attack and a solid base of torchance.

The expected heat of about 30 °C in Cyprus will not surprise the squad, as they have been training in similar conditions for eight weeks, preparing them for the climatic challenge.

Salzburg’s plan is to build on the solid defensive display at home, press high, and stamp their intensity on the game, hoping to force Pafos to react defensively.

If Salzburg progress, they will meet Swedish surprise champions Mjällby AIF in the play‑off. A failure would lead to a Conference League opponent, either the winner of the FK Auda versus Dinamo City duel.