Dorgeles Nene (seated) and Co. lost to FC Bruges. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Against Bruges: Dampener for Salzburg's CL hopes

Many professional teams are currently in the midst of preseason preparations – but for some, the stakes are already high. Qualifying for arguably the most important and prestigious international tournament in football: the Champions League, is currently underway. RB Salzburg suffered a setback.

August 06, 2025

From: apa/mv

Red Bull Salzburg's chances of reaching the league phase of the Champions League have diminished significantly. On Wednesday, the Austrian runners-up suffered a 3-75 home defeat in the first leg of the third qualifying round against Club Bruges after a late goal from Romeo Vermant (0th minute). However, they don't have to completely abandon their ambitions after a long, evenly contested duel.

If they manage to turn things around, Glasgow Rangers will likely be waiting for them in the final playoff clash. The Scots already won the first leg at home against Viktoria Pilsen 3-0 on Tuesday. Salzburg had already secured a spot in the Europa League's league phase by advancing to the third qualifying round.

Bruges plays, Salzburg more dangerous

Salzburg were more dangerous, especially in the first half, but their conversion rate left much to be desired. Maurits Kjaergaard forced Bruges goalkeeper Simon Mignolet into a save early on (11'). Shortly before halftime, left-back Frans Krätzig had a chance to open the scoring, but hesitantly managed to be stopped by Mignolet (39').

Bruges goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (left) kept a clean sheet. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Belgium's runners-up, Bruges, enjoyed more possession, but it was limited to the safe areas. However, the multiple Champions League participants were at their most dangerous after the break, when Salzburg had seized more possession. First, a header from unchallenged Brandon Mechele whizzed over the bar (58th minute), and shortly afterwards, Schlager had to stretch to beat Ludovit Reis. The rebound became a threatening cross, but it rolled through the box (62nd minute). Early in the closing stages, Schlager was on target from a tight angle to deny Christos Tzolis (72nd minute).

Salzburg's final offensive goes unrewarded

Salzburg's first good finish of the second half was a volley by Sota Kitano over the goal (68'). They didn't have much more to contribute offensively for a long time. Instead, the visitors continued to increase their efforts, and the 1-0 lead seemed imminent. When Vermant headed in an unchallenged cross from Bjorn Meijer, it was over.

Romeo Vermant (left) and Hans Vanaken celebrate: FC Bruges won the first leg against RB Salzburg. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

But Salzburg turned things around again. 12.782 spectators witnessed a heated final phase in which the hosts had every chance of equalizing. Mignolet, however, proved to be a rock in the storm, securing the win against Diabate (77th minute) and Dorgeles Nene (80th minute), as well as thwarting a top double chance from Petar Ratkov and then Nene again (82nd minute).

Benfica and Feyenoord celebrate victories

Kairat Almaty also celebrated a 1-0 victory, defeating Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava from Kazakhstan. Ludogorets Razgrad and Ferencvaros Budapest drew 0-0, while Red Star Belgrade won 3-1 away at Lech Poznan. Former Milan player Rade Krunic scored a brace.

Benfica defender Franjo Ivanovic turns away in celebration: He has just scored the interim 1-0. © APA/afp / MIGUEL MEDINA

Wednesday also featured two smash-hit clashes: Feyenoord Rotterdam celebrated a 2-1 home victory against Fenerbahce. After the home side's early lead, the team from the Turkish capital equalized shortly before the end – a goal by Youssef En-Nesyri had previously been ruled out for offside. However, in stoppage time, Anis Hadj Moussa sent the home fans into ecstasies with the 2-1 winner.

In the second top-of-the-table clash between Nice and Benfica Lisbon, the visitors from Portugal prevailed 2-0. Both goals came after the break. The return matches will take place next Wednesday, August 12.

Champions League qualification, Wednesday's matches

Kairat Almaty – Slovan Bratislava 1-0
Goal: 1:0 Satpaev (90th/penalty)

RB Salzburg – FC Bruges 0:1
Goal: Vermant (75.)

Ludogorets Razgrad – Ferencvaros Budapest 0-0

Lech Poznan – Red Star Belgrade 1:3
Goals: Krunic (9th), 1:1 Ishak (34th), 1:2 Krunic (51st), 1:3 Bruno Duarte (73rd)

Feyenoord Rotterdam – Fenerbahce Istanbul 2-1
Goals: 1:0 Timber (19th), 1:1 Amrabat (86th), 2:1 Hadj Moussa (90th+1)

Nice – Benfica Lisbon 0-2
Goals: 0:1 Ivanovic (53rd), 0:2 Florentino (88th)