The 2025/26 European journey for FC Red Bull Salzburg is set to commence in Bergen, Norway, where they will face SK Brann, the runners-up of the Norwegian league. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, kicking off at 19:00 local time. This marks the beginning of the second qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League.
As the Eliteserien season is in full swing, SK Brann poses a significant challenge, having recently faced a setback with a defeat to KFUM Oslo, which has affected their league standing. However, they demonstrated their capabilities just a week prior with an impressive 3-1 victory over league leaders Viking. The atmosphere in the compact Brann stadium is expected to be electric, with nearly 17,000 fans in attendance.
Salzburg has been preparing for this encounter through competitive matches in the FIFA Club World Cup and recent friendlies, allowing the team to build cohesion. The return leg, set for July 30 at the Red Bull Arena, will be a crucial opportunity for the team to solidify their qualification for the next stage of the tournament.
Progressing against SK Brann is essential not only for UEFA Champions League aspirations but also ensures entry into the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. Should Salzburg prevail, they will face Club Brugge in the next round, while the losing side will meet the winner of the match between RSC Anderlecht and BK Häcken.
In terms of team news, several players will be unavailable due to injuries, including Takumu Kawamura and Karim Konate, among others. This could test the squad’s depth as they aim to start the season on a strong note.
FC Red Bull Salzburg’s head coach, Thomas Letsch, acknowledges the strength and unity of SK Brann’s squad, highlighting that Salzburg’s previous competitive matches have prepared them well. This matchup is viewed as a key step in the club’s pursuit of success across various competitions this season.
As fans look forward to what promises to be an exciting clash in Bergen, the team remains optimistic about their prospects moving forward.