After 90 minutes it was 1-1 in front of around 5,000 spectators in Slovakia, Henry Addo had given the hosts the lead shortly before the break after a defensive blunder (37th). After the change of sides, the guests pushed for an equalizer and were rewarded for it. Roko Simic, who broke through, was fouled by Abasa Aremeyaw in the penalty area and converted the penalty himself to equalize (65′). It was the fourth goal for the 18-year-old Croatia U21 team striker in the current competition.
Since nothing happened on either side after that, the decision had to be made on the spot. At the beginning, Simic again managed to save goalkeeper Lubomir Belko, but this time he hit the other corner. Since Salzburg’s Raphael Hofer failed as a second shooter at Zilina’s goalie, the Slovaks had the advantage. This didn’t help them as Adrian Kapralik shot well over the goal and the last shooter Timotej Jambor found his match in Czech “Bulls” goalkeeper Adam Stejskal. Justin Omoregie, Benjamin Atiabou and Julian Halwachs converted confidently for Salzburg.
Fabio Ingolitsch also had every reason to be happy. The co-trainer stood in the front row instead of head coach Rene Aufhauser, who was missing due to a positive coronavirus test. “It was a very intense game. Zilina is an opponent who has incredible power and impact on offense. It took us a while to adjust to that,” said Ingolitsch about the opponent who had previously eliminated Inter Milan. The 29-year-old didn’t act as a fun killer: “The boys deserve a party, we’ll enjoy the time and celebrate a little.”
As in 2020, Salzburg is at least in the quarter-finals of the Junior Champions League again, five years ago they even won the competition. The next hurdle is a significantly higher one with the away game at PSG. It’s about getting into the Final Four tournament that will be held in Nyon at the end of April. The French had already bought their ticket for the round of eight on Tuesday – with a 2-0 win against Salzburg’s group opponents FC Sevilla. After four wins and two draws in Pool G, in which Lille and Wolfsburg were also represented, the “Young Bulls” went straight into the round of 16.
UEFA Youth League, Round of 16
Wednesday:
Zilina – Salzburg 1: 1 (1: 0) 3: 4 i.
Goals: Addo (37th) and Simic (65th/penalty)
Lineup Salzburg: Stejskal – Atiabou, Baidoo, Wallner, Ibertsberger – Kameri (87./Hofer), Halwachs, Omoregie – Reischl (66./Diakite) – Simic, Agyekum (66./Zeteny)
Already on Tuesday: Paris St. Germain – Sevilla FC 2-0 (1-0)
Quarter-finals (March 15/16): Paris St. Germain – Salzburg
