Salzburg not only defeated Hartberg, but also the home curse in the last home game of the year: the 1-0 win was the first league victory in front of home fans since 3 September. The champions of the series, unbeaten at home in 34 league games, maintained their lead and gained self-confidence for Wednesday’s “final” in the Champions League in Milan.
Bottom Hartberg arrived at the Red Bull Arena with ten goals conceded in the last two games, manager Klaus Schmidt won’t be upset when he saw the Salzburg line-up. Because his colleague Matthias Jaissle rotated correctly and brought in seven new players. Only Köhn, Bernardo, Wöber and Seiwald remained from the starting XI against Chelsea. Unsurprisingly, Salzburg’s second seed also determined the game: 75% possession in the first 45 minutes was proof of that. However, the 1-0 saving goal came after the break. Noah Okafor, as soon as he came off the bench, put the ball in the net (48 ‘). Hartberg’s alleged equalizer does not count, Paintsil is offside (62 ‘).
Salzburg could not cover themselves with glory, but they did their duty. The final whistle was also the kick-off in preparation for the last big highlight of the year in Milan.
