Dusan Svento’s early goal at El Madrigal was enough to retain Red Bull Salzburg’s incredible run of victories in Europa League Group G last night, and with the draw for the last 32 now made, they will face Standard Liège in Belgium on February 18.
The Red Bulls travelled to Spain assured of their progress as group winners and facing a Villarreal side who hadn’t lost at home in European competition since July 2006, but Svento made sure that it would be Salzburg’s night with a fine strike from a tight angle after only seven minutes.
The result makes the Austrian side by far the most successful team from this year’s complement of 48 teams as the only side to finish with a perfect record of six victories, finishing a massive nine points clear of their second-placed hosts Villarreal, who also qualified – Lazio crashed to a surprise home defeat to basement team Levski Sofia at the Stadio Olimpico in the other Group G fixture.
“It’s just sensational to win in Spain, Italy and Bulgaria – just unbelievable,” said coach Huub Stevens. “I am very proud of my team.”
'It’s unbelievable that we have been able to make history today' – Eddie Gustafsson
Missing the mercurial Marc Janko through injury, and with the other star of the campaign, Somen Tchoyi, rested, Stevens went for an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation. This was just as well, as following the goal, the hosts had the best of the chances for the rest of the match, with the Red Bulls’ defensive midfield and back line the busier, and Eddie Gustafsson having his hands kept warm in the visitors’ net.
“It’s unbelievable that we have been able to make history today,” said Swedish goalkeeper Gustafsson afterwards. “It doesn’t matter to me who we play next.”
With the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, taking place in the last few minutes, the Red Bulls will face Belgian side Standard Liège in the first round of the knockout stages.
Watch Svento’s fine finish at uefa.com
P W D L GD Pts
Red Bull Salzburg 6 6 0 0 +7 18
Villarreal 6 3 0 3 +2 9
Lazio 6 2 0 4 -1 6
Levski Sofia 6 1 0 5 -8 3
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