Three points take us top of tree at Christmas

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FC Red Bull Salzburg

·9 December 2023

Three points take us top of tree at Christmas

Piatkowski heads winner against Rapid

We saw off SK Rapid Vienna 1-0 with a gutsy win in the Austrian Klassiker in the 17th matchday of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga. Our Red Bulls capped an awesome autumn with a win in Vienna that leaves them top of the table over the winter break. We also extended our record Bundesliga away run - and are now unbeaten in 24 matches on our travels (19 wins and five draws).

Match summary

Gerhard Struber sent our side into the Austrian Klassiker with a newly formed central defensive pairing in Kamil Piatkowski and Samson Baidoo. The game needed a few minutes to get going on a freezing cold day in Vienna. After a period of initial probing, our Red Bulls got in front of the opposing goal several times with some stunning passing series and quick pressing.

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Baidoo and wideman Daouda Guindo put in some hefty challenges to stop their opponents. The results of our boys' confidence were shown in the 19th minute - after a wonderful Luka Sucic ball into the area, Piatkowski glanced a header on the Rapid goal and the ball sailed over Niklas Hedl and in.

Our opening goal added even more intrigue to the Austrian Klassiker. Our boys were able to build on that momentum to threaten with Amar Dedic having an effort, Lucas Gourna-Douath putting a brilliant challenge in on the halfway line and Sucic having a go from distance.

We continued to offer punch at both ends of the field before the break, putting in some very solid challenges and not allowing occasional Rapid attacking forays to ruffle us. The final highlight of the first half fell to Oscar Gloukh – with our youngster smashing the ball into the arms of Hedl in goal (45').

On their return to the field, our Red Bulls were just as dangerous as in the first period. Gloukh guided a long-range effort just over in the 50th minute, while Roko Simic was presented with a sudden chance to strike our second - albeit it was one he was unable to take (53').

Piatkowski's brilliant day got even better moments afterwards as our Polish defensive diamond slid to steer the ball over and stop Guido Burgstaller equalising (55'). There was little to see from the Green and Whites at this stage of proceedings, and when they did threaten, Schlager was always there to save us.

At least until the 70th minute - after Marco Grüll laid the ball across, Burgstaller was there to turn in. Rapid's celebrations would be cut short, however – first with a VAR check for an offside, which was then confirmed and the strike ruled out.

One of the final highlights came from a Sucic free-kick that Fernando turned on goal and Baidoo knocked in. The ball was in the Rapid net again, but it was ruled out for offside (90+2'). The Viennese did their all to strike a late leveller, but were unable to do so as we held on for the three points.

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That was a very important win for us. It gives us confidence and belief that we can do it on Tuesday. You have to really value the fact that the boys have kept on managing to get results this autumn in difficult phases too. That's what professional football is all about, even if it isn't sexy.

Gerhard Struber

When you are at top in the end - even if it's only going into the winter break at this stage - then it shows things are going well. We can be very proud of our performance today! We found really good control and ways of playing with the ball. It was a hard-fought game in the end, and we put absolutely everything into it. I have to tip my hat to Kamil. We are all pleased that he is doing so well at the moment!

Alexander Schlager