RB Salzburg Edge Past Qarabag 2-1 in Pre-Season Friendly: Tactical Analysis and Key Takeaways

RB Salzburg secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FK Qarabag in a compelling pre-season friendly at the Alois Latini Stadium in Zell am See, Austria. The match served as valuable preparation for both sides, with Salzburg showing promising signs of tactical evolution under their current system.

Match Summary and Key Moments

The Austrian side took the lead through Sota Kitano’s clinical finish in the 29th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure in the final third. Qarabag responded with characteristic resilience, equalizing through Nariman Akhundzade in the 42nd minute after excellent build-up play from Toral Bayramov.

The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when substitute Edmund Baidoo found the bottom right corner, securing victory for the Red Bulls in what proved to be an entertaining encounter between two tactically astute sides.

Tactical Analysis

RB Salzburg’s 4-4-2 Formation

Salzburg deployed a traditional 4-4-2 system that emphasized width and direct attacking play. The formation allowed for:

• Defensive Stability: Jacob Rasmussen and Kouakou Gadou formed a solid central defensive partnership, dealing effectively with Qarabag’s attacking threats
• Wing Play: Frans Krätzig and Stefan Lainer provided consistent width, with Lainer particularly effective in the attacking third
• Central Midfield Balance: Mamady Diambou and Mads Bidstrup offered both defensive cover and progressive passing options

Qarabag’s 4-2-3-1 Approach

The Azerbaijani side’s tactical setup focused on:

• Compact Defensive Block: The double pivot of Marko Jankovic and Pedro Bicalho provided excellent screening for the back four
• Creative Freedom: Abdellah Zoubir operated as the primary creative outlet, consistently finding pockets of space
• Pace on the Flanks: Toral Bayramov and Kady Borges stretched Salzburg’s defense with their pace and direct running

Statistical Breakdown

Possession and Territory

• RB Salzburg: 52.6% possession
• FK Qarabag: 47.4% possession

The relatively even possession statistics reflect a well-contested match where both teams had periods of dominance.

Attacking Statistics

• Salzburg: 13 shot attempts, 5 on target
• Qarabag: 6 shot attempts, 2 on target

Salzburg’s superior shot volume (13 vs 6) demonstrates their ability to create chances consistently, though Qarabag’s clinical finishing kept them competitive.

Defensive Actions

• Fouls: Salzburg 12, Qarabag 8
• Corner Kicks: Salzburg 6, Qarabag 5
• Saves: Alexander Schlager (1), Mateusz Kochalski (3)

Individual Player Analysis

Standout Performers

Sota Kitano (RB Salzburg): The Japanese midfielder’s opener showcased his technical ability and positioning. His movement between the lines caused constant problems for Qarabag’s defensive structure.

Edmund Baidoo (RB Salzburg): The substitute’s impact was immediate and decisive. His winning goal demonstrated excellent composure in the penalty area and clinical finishing ability.

Nariman Akhundzade (FK Qarabag): The striker’s equalizer was a moment of individual brilliance, showing great technique to find the bottom corner from the left side of the box.

Mateusz Kochalski (FK Qarabag): The goalkeeper’s three saves kept Qarabag competitive, particularly his stops from Edmund Baidoo and Enrique Aguilar in the second half.

Tactical Substitutions and Impact

Both managers made extensive changes at halftime, with Salzburg introducing fresh legs including Baidoo, Petar Ratkov, and Soumaïla Diabaté. These substitutions proved crucial, with Baidoo’s goal highlighting the importance of squad depth in pre-season preparation.

Qarabag’s changes, including the introduction of Oleksii Kashchuk and Mateusz Kochalski, maintained their competitive edge but couldn’t prevent the defeat.

Key Tactical Insights

1. Salzburg’s Pressing Intensity: The Red Bulls’ high press forced Qarabag into hurried decisions, particularly in the first half
2. Qarabag’s Counter-Attacking Threat: Despite the defeat, Qarabag showed dangerous moments on the break, particularly through Zoubir and Bayramov
3. Set-Piece Opportunities: Both teams created chances from corners, with Salzburg’s 6 corners reflecting their territorial advantage

Looking Ahead

This victory provides valuable momentum for RB Salzburg as they continue their pre-season preparations. The performance highlighted both their attacking potential and areas for improvement, particularly in defensive transitions.

For Qarabag, despite the defeat, there were positive signs in their build-up play and defensive organization that will serve them well in upcoming competitions.

The match served as an excellent test for both sides, with tactical lessons learned that will prove valuable as the new season approaches.