Matthias Theiner (far right) met Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

Salzburg derby: Red Bull defeats the Theiner club

On Tuesday evening there was a very explosive derby in the second round of the ÖFB Cup: Red Bull Salzburg against Austria Salzburg. The South Tyrolean Matthias Theiner was also there.

September 26, 2023

From: do

Before the second round showdown in the ÖFB Cup between Red Bull Salzburg and Austria Salzburg, South Tyrolean and Austria captain Matthias Theiner said: “This game is a fantastic opportunity for the club to show that it is still there.” Theiner pointed to the precarious conditions between the two clubs after the beverage company took over and redesigned the traditional club in 2005. This was followed by the re-foundation of Austria and now the match on the big stage of Austrian football.

Despite the clear balance of power between the Champions League participants and the third division team, the South Tyrolean defense chief and his violets initially did more than well in the 0-4 defeat in the alternative stadium in the Salzburg suburb of Grödig.

For the time being, the fans of both clubs had to be patient because, according to ORF, a car delayed the arrival of the Red Bull bus and the kick-off was pushed back by half an hour. Then the time had come: With the captain's armband on his upper arm, Theiner faced the overwhelming opponent in the right central defender position in a five-man chain. However, reality returned after just eight minutes when Amar Dedic converted a rebound to make it 1-0 for the Bundesliga club (8th).

The atmosphere in the Austria Stadium was first class. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

What was noteworthy was the reaction of Austria, who did not allow themselves to be disturbed by the early goal and stood up to the Bulls for a long time. Theiner organized his defensive block brilliantly and the underdog fended off attack after attack. It wasn't until the 63rd minute that the visitors' offensive artists struck again when Amankwah Forson dribbled past several Austria players, including the South Tyrolean, and hammered the ball into the goal to make it 2-0. The 3-0 by Forson again (74th) and 4-0 by Strahinja Pavlovic (83rd) followed in the last minutes.

Austria is alive

What remains is the knowledge of a living Austria club, a club that at times withstood the best team in Austria and an atmosphere with loud chants and waving flags that was worthy of a Champions League game. And Theiner? Even when the deficit grew, he showed great class, always remained calm and mediated between the players after a few serious frustrating fouls.

In the Regionalliga West, the South Tyrolean's club is at the top of the table with 23 points after nine games.