Red Bull Salzburg cautiously ahead of AC Milan after goalless GAK duel

In the cool evening light of the Liebenau Stadium in Graz, Red Bull Salzburg stood ready for their first appearance in the Admiral Bundesliga after a three‑week international break – a goalless 0‑0 against the home‑strong GAK, which coach Danny Röhl described as insufficient, reported Erwin Scheriau.

Unsatisfactory Performance after the Break

The 15th round of mandatory matches yielded no win, even though the “Bulls” had remained unbeaten so far. Röhl admitted that the team was not good enough and criticised the lack of cutting power. Despite the point, the squad stayed in the leader’s rear.

Lack of Efficiency in Set‑Pieces and Finishing

GAK used three corner kicks – from Yannick Oberleitner (46’), Anderson (50’) and Jacob Italiano (76’) – to save the aluminium housing, while Salzburg was hardly dangerous. In attack, Karim Konate hit the crossbar (38’) and the super‑sub Gaoussou Diakite (86’) as well as Haris Tabakovic (95’) missed clear chances.

Outlook on the Duel against AC Milan

Next Thursday, Salzburg will meet AC Milan in the Europa League duel, with goalkeeper Christian Früchtl expected to be used again as the second keeper. Substitute Christian Zawieschitzky was absent due to adductor problems, and right‑back Stefan Lainer received his first season appearance after seven position changes.

Röhl emphasized that the team has enough quality to win, but 100 percent effort is required for that. He pointed to the long breaks many players have had because of national team duties, while GAK was able to train relatively fully.

Through the 0‑0, Salzburg temporarily reached the top of the table, and Röhl remains unbeaten in the 15th mandatory match. GAK coach Gerald Scheiblehner praised his side for the physical performance, but saw the lack of luck in attack as something that must be forced.

Under Scheiblehner, in five mandatory matches there are two wins and three draws, with GAK having suffered no home defeat since 13 December 2025. Fans and players, including Oberleitner, expressed strong support, while the team will face the upcoming away derby against Sturm with a numerical disadvantage.

In the broader league context, SV Ried won 2‑1 against WSG Tirol, collected seven points from the last three games and now sits two places ahead of GAK in fifth position.