The time has come – history is written in Wals-Siezenheim on Tuesday evening. Eleven times, the bulls failed – sometimes miserable and embarrassing – in the qualification, this season had Austria mainly thanks to the strong Europa League performance of the Bulls a fixed place in the premier class. So the Salzburg Bulls finally enjoy the premier class. The debut in this area denies Red Bull Salzburg against Genk on Tuesday evening at 20 clock.
This duel in the Champions League Group E may well be called the “outsider duel”. With defending champion Liverpool and SSC Napoli, there are two clear favorites in the fight for promotion to the knockout stages. For the two Underdogs of Group E, a successful start is therefore of great importance in order to be able to hope for progress.
The Salzburg Bulls presented themselves despite personnel changes in excellent condition and rush in the Bundesliga from Kantersieg to Kantersieg. The Belgian champions from Genk, on the other hand, are still not really kicking and have only won three of the seven league games.
Red Bull Salzburg:
Before the start of the season there were votes in football Austria, which have the Austrian series champion Red Bull Salzburg did not expect a dominant role this season. It quickly became clear that the desire was the father of the thought and by no means corresponds to reality. Under Neo-trainer Jesse Marsch, the bulls are even more dominant this season than last season.
The Salzburg Bulls have already scored seven league games, 21 points, and not less than 34 goals. On average, this results in almost five hits per game. Salzburg scored less than four goals only for the Bundesliga kick-off against Rapid Wien (2-0), with at least four goals in their last six games. Last five times in a row at least five hits.
Outstanding actor in a brilliant team playing is the only 19-year-old Norwegian Erling bride Haland. The Norwegian has made Munas Dabbur long forgotten, already eleven goals this season and four assists go to the account of the youngster. Despite being outstanding, the young striker is not lifted. After his second hat-trick in a series in 7-2 win against TSV Hartberg, he was self-critical enough to find that he must have scored at least five goals.
For the young Bull team, the home game against Genk is now the first real test. The convincing performances provide for a broad chest, the game is by no means a self-run. Jesse Marsch is convinced that his team has the quality to survive against any opponent.
Red Bull Salzburg have been unconquered for 18 international home games and 14 have won. In the last nine home games, there were even eight wins. Arguments that speak on Tuesday between Red Bull Salzburg and Genk for a forecast on the home side, there is plenty. In addition, Salzburg have already led in this season in all games at half time!
Genk:
The four-time Belgian champions are represented in the group stage of the Champions League for the third time this season. The debut was in the season 2002/03, last time were the Belgians eight years ago in the season 2011/12. Twelve Champions League matches are to be found accordingly in the club chronicle, however, the Belgians are still waiting for the first victory in the group stage of the premier class.
The Champions League seems to be one size too big, in the Europa League, however, Genk has certainly convinced in recent years. In the previous year, the Belgians were able to winter in the Europa League as group winners, then had to give in the first knockout round Slavia Prague beaten.
Genk plays a very offensive football. The Belgians have scored at least one goal in no fewer than 29 of the last 30 international matches. Based on these numbers, on Tuesday between Red Bull Salzburg and Genk both the tip on the “Both to Score” and the over 2.5 is an obvious choice.
But while Salzburg plays in this game with a big chest, Genk’s mood is by no means euphoric. After the fourth league title left success coach Philippe Clement the club and signed with the rival club Bruges. Felice Mazzu of league rival RSC Charleroi took the place of succession. Also in Belgium are already completed seven games, but the champion could win only three. With a balanced 3-1-3 balance, Genk is only eighth.
At the dress rehearsal before the Champions League match in Salzburg there was against the ex-club of Neo-Manager Mazzu a 2-1 defeat. The third defeat of the current season continued in the previous year on Matchday 26, this time in round seven. Due to the recent performances between Red Bull Salzburg and Genk a tip on the guests is not recommended.
Goalkeeper Vukovic is injured and can not be found in the squad for the premier class, with 20-year-old Gaetan Coucke standing between the posts. Top striker Mbwana Samatta (five goals) was missed on Friday due to knee problems, but should be fit in time.
