Red Bull Salzburg begin their first European challenge of the week on Thursday at 19:00 CEST, and Danny Röhl has made it clear that he wants the sort of response that keeps their perfect start moving forward. After two opening victories in the Austrian Cup and the ADMIRAL Bundesliga, Salzburg now turn to a Q3 UEFA Europa League qualifier against Pafos FC.
That makes this a significant step in Salzburg’s season, even at this early stage. It is the third competitive match in a short run of fixtures, but it is also the opening round of a two-round bid to reach the UEFA Europa League proper.
Röhl wants a third win in match number three
Röhl said the team are aiming for “a third win in match number three” and said the group have gained confidence from their start. He also pointed to the lessons they have taken from the opening matches, suggesting Salzburg are not just chasing results but building momentum in the right way.
That is a sensible tone for a first European test of the campaign. Salzburg have started well domestically, but the qualifying rounds often ask different questions, particularly when the opposition arrive with recent European experience of their own.
Why Pafos FC are not to be underestimated
Pafos FC may be a less familiar name to many Salzburg supporters, but Röhl was quick to stress that they are an experienced side. He said they have “a very experienced team, with an average age of around 28 or 29,” and that last year’s Champions League run showed the level they can reach.
That European record matters. Last season, Pafos FC made their first-ever Champions League appearance and earned nine points in the league phase, which is a clear sign that they are capable of competing at this level. Earlier this week, they also showed resilience in qualifying, recovering from a 0-2 first-leg defeat before beating Hajduk Split 4-2 on aggregate.
For Salzburg, the warning is obvious: this is not simply a routine summer tie. It is a match against an opponent who has already shown they can handle pressure on the continent.
Salzburg’s start gives them belief
Even so, Salzburg go into the tie with useful momentum. Röhl said the win against Hartberg gave the squad energy and belief, and that the side can now call their opening run “a good start to the season.” With two wins and an 8-1 goal difference, the numbers back that up.
The bigger question is whether that domestic sharpness translates into a European qualifier, where margins tend to tighten quickly. Salzburg still need to get through two qualifying rounds to reach their goal, and Thursday’s match is the first of those hurdles.
Röhl’s message is straightforward: Salzburg have started strongly, but they now need to show they can maintain that level when the competition changes. If they can do that on Thursday, they will have taken the first serious step towards the UEFA Europa League.
