5 takeaways from Sweden | OneFootball

1-0 win leaves us in pole position

With a late 1-0 win in the bag, our team is already on the plane back to Salzburg. The good news to start the weekend: we can put our feet up, at least for a little while, because we're taking a break from the league for the next few days! This extra bit of rest comes at just the right time, because next Thursday 27 August at 19:00 CEST, the final showdown against Mjällby awaits us at our Red Bull Arena for a spot in the Europa League's league phase. Time for a quick breather – and to look at five things we're taking away from yesterday's battle at the Strandvallen Stadium.

#1 | Black cap and clean sheet

For the fourth time in this still young competitive season, we kept a cleansheet. The fact that Chris Zawieschitzky had to don a stylish black PUMA cap in the first half so the low sun didn't impair his vision did not affect his composure at all – even though the Swedish hosts threatened our goal several times. As a unit, our lads threw themselves passionately into every challenge, ensuring our keeper's cap and the clean sheet remained intact.

#2 | Stylishly late

Never give up, never switch off – even when legs grow heavy and the ball just won't cross the line after numerous high-quality chances. The late winning goal was already our fifth goal after the 85th minute in only our seventh competitive match this season. A quality that demonstrates our character, but it doesn't mask the work still ahead.

Danny Röhl

#3 | Another debut

In the final stages, a new face appeared on the pitch: new signing Umut Tohumcu was substituted on to provide fresh impetus and attacking spark for the final push. Around ten minutes of playing time is just a small taste, but the first appearance for our team is always something special – especially when it comes in a dramatic away win. Congratulations on your debut, Umut!

#4 | Introspection instead of euphoria

A last-minute goal usually triggers pure ecstasy. In our team's dressing room, however, the celebrations were deliberately controlled and reflective. Firstly, it's only halfway through the play-off tie, and we still have 90 hard-fought minutes ahead of us. Secondly, especially at this early stage of the season, it's important to be honest with ourselves and make the necessary adjustments.

Valentin Zabransky

#5 | Home match as ace up our sleeve

Yesterday's match at Strandvallen Stadium impressively demonstrated how unpleasant an away trip on the international stage can be. Especially at the beginning of the second half, Mjällby found good opportunities and got the home crowd going – a dynamic that can quickly turn a game around. It will be all the more crucial, therefore, to fully exploit our home advantage next Thursday in our Red Bull Arena and transfer the energy from the stands onto the pitch!

Tickets for the decisive playoff second leg on Thursday 27 August at 19:00 CEST are already available online in our ticket shop.

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