Home Klassiker to start championship group FC Red Bull Salzburg will face SK Rapid Vienna this Sunday in the opening match of the championship group, marking the start of the crucial phase of the season. The team aims to avenge a recent 0-1 away defeat and continue their winning streak in the Bundesliga, having started every championship group campaign with a victory since the format’s introduction. This match is particularly significant as it follows the halving of points from the first 22 matchdays, a final adjustment before the new phase begins. The Red Bulls have a strong historical record against Rapid Vienna, with seven consecutive opening-day victories in the championship group. Two of these wins were against SK Rapid, including a match last season. The team is motivated to end a recent scoring drought and capitalize on their impressive home performance. In 25 consecutive Bundesliga matches against Rapid, Salzburg has scored, setting a league record. They are also unbeaten in 19 Bundesliga home games against the Green and Whites, a streak dating back to the league’s inception. The match is a chance to secure three points and climb to the top of the table, with the goal of bringing the Austrian title back to Salzburg in the next ten matches. Manager Marco Rose emphasized the importance of focus and preparation, noting that the team has been working on improving their attacking play and utilizing space effectively. He stressed that the league table is not the priority at the moment, and the focus should remain on executing their game plan. Key players unavailable for the match include Takumu Kawamura, Sota Kitano, Stefan Lainer, John Mellberg, and Justin Omoregie due to injuries.#bundesliga #fc_red_bull_salzburg #sk_rapid_vienna #marco_rose #championship_group
