Onisiwo and Vertessen score: Salzburg advance by one and a half legs

Salzburg wins at Brann Bergen. IMAGO/NTB

Salzburg has more than one foot in the third round of Champions League qualification. Austria's runners-up won the second-round first leg at Brann Bergen on Wednesday, coming back from a halftime deficit to win 4-1. Nene (58') and Onisiwo (61') struck twice within four minutes to make up for a serious defensive blunder in the 20th minute in Norway. Goals from Vertessen (87') and Kjaergaard (92') made the victory in Norway even more convincing.

The decision will be made in the return match next Wednesday in Wals-Siezenheim. If they advance, Club Bruges would be waiting, and Salzburg would at least have secured their place in the Europa League's league phase. The loser will have to settle for a place in the Europa League (third round). Salzburg must survive a total of three rounds to qualify for their seventh consecutive Champions League appearance.

Fans of the home team had attempted to disturb the Bulls' sleep with a minute-long fireworks display in front of the Salzburg hotel. It was Salzburg's newly formed defense that appeared to be lacking in sleep. The designated new defensive leader, Rasmussen, misjudged a long ball in a challenge against Magnusson, who got to the ball before the onrushing Schlager and put the ball past the Austrian team goalie.

In a hard-fought and evenly matched opening phase, both teams had had a chance. After Gloukh's low shot, which was aimed centrally, Dyngeland in the Brann net was able to confidently save the ball (10'). The Norwegians, in their league rhythm, were able to rely on an atmospheric crowd, and their first chance fell to Myhre, who couldn't be stopped on his run through the center of defense and fired just wide.

Salzburg, who hadn't had a typical summer preparation due to the Club World Cup, struggled after the setback. The game remained fast-paced and disjointed. Although their pressing continued to result in high ball wins, the former serial Austrian champions struggled to create chances. It wasn't until shortly before halftime that they managed to make a real impact. New signing Krätzig, however, was denied by the goalkeeper with a double chance from the left-hand side (42').

Salzburg coach Letsch made two substitutions at halftime. With Kjaergaard replacing Diambou and Onisiwo replacing Daghim, the team was hoping to turn things around. The visitors' first real attacking phase did indeed bring about the turnaround. Nene brilliantly took over a Gloukh lob on the turn, and less than four minutes later, Onisiwo capitalized on his second great chance to make it 2-1. After a vigorous run down the right by Lainer, the striker successfully connected with a cross to the near post. Before his header, Onisiwo had been denied by the goalkeeper with a deflected shot.

stadium	Brann Stadium
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