Red Bull Salzburg let a commanding two-goal lead slip away in the closing seconds against NK Celje, conceding a 90th-minute equalizer to settle for a 2:2 draw in the third round of the UEFA Europa League, salzburg24 reported on October 22, 2026. The Austrian side missed a crucial opportunity to secure a victory that would have firmly established their position in the qualification standings of the continental tournament.

Early Salzburg Advantage Overturned in Slovenia

Playing at the Stadion Z’dezele in Celje, Salzburg established an early advantage when Sota Kitano finished a 9th-minute chance following high pressing from Leandro Morgalla and a precise assist by Damir Redzic. The visitors extended their lead immediately after the interval. Just 22 seconds into the second half, substitute Jesper Lindström collected a pass and drove a low shot into the far corner to make it 2:0 for the Austrian Bundesliga side.

Celje responded quickly when Blaž Kramer dribbled past Dominik Schmid in the penalty area and fired a powerful shot into the net in the 50th minute. In the 88th minute, Salzburg missed a chance to seal the match before defensive confusion during an own free-kick allowed Armandas Kučys to score the equalizer off the inside of the post in the 90th minute.

Standings and Points Implication After Three Rounds

Following the draw, Red Bull Salzburg holds four points from three matches in the league phase of the Europa League, placing them 21st in the standings. Under the tournament format, the top 24 clubs advance to the knockout phase. Manager Danny Röhl expressed frustration over the missed victory, noting that small errors at this level are immediately punished. Celje secured their first point of the league phase after dropping their opening fixtures.

Salzburg rotated their starting lineup ahead of an upcoming domestic league fixture, leaving Edmund Baidoo out of the squad due to a minor abdominal muscle injury sustained in training. The Austrian club will return to domestic action on Sunday with a match against LASK, before resuming their European campaign away against RSC Anderlecht on November 5. NK Celje travels to face Sturm Graz in Austria on the same date.

Red Bull Salzburg Fields Starters and Substitutes

During the match, Dukuly, Zuzek, and Armandas Kučys entered as substitutes.

Red Bull Salzburg fielded Christian Zawieschitzky in goal behind a backline of Leandro Morgalla, Joane Gadou, Tim Drexler, and Dominik Schmid. Umut Tohumcu, Damir Redzic, Sota Kitano, and Yorbe Vertessen played alongside central striker Haris Tabaković. Manager Danny Röhl introduced Jesper Lindström, Bartosz Mazurek, and Moussa Yeo during the match.