The first leg ended in a confident 4:1 win for Red Bull Salzburg away from home, effectively settling the tie from a tournament perspective. However, the Austrians are known for maintaining intensity, particularly on home soil. Brann, meanwhile, favour an attacking style but remain vulnerable at the back.
Salzburg had a prolific pre-season and have made a strong start to their European campaign. The attack offers plenty of options: Karim Onisiwo, Dorgeles Nene, Maurits Kjaergaard, and Yorbe Vertessen all capable of stretching the play. Even with a long injury list — including Karim Konaté — the depth in the squad allows them to keep up a high tempo. Salzburg tend to start matches aggressively, pushing quickly into the final third.
Brann have now suffered back-to-back defeats. Despite an early goal in the first leg, they dropped deep far too soon and were exposed by Salzburg’s wing play. Key absences, including Niklas Castro, have reduced their attacking output. Defensively, they often falter — especially in the opening 45 minutes.
An open match is expected from the off. Brann have no reason to sit back, and Red Bull Salzburg rarely ease their way into home games. With both teams attack-minded and defensively fragile, there’s strong potential for a high-scoring first half.
