Game report
After a late start to the game - the visitors had the same jersey color as the Juniors - the Red Bulls, this time in blue jerseys, got off to a good start. They tested Sisak goalkeeper Vilim Rosandic with their first shots, but he was always on the spot. As the game progressed, the Croatians also created chances. Carson Briere gave the visitors a 1:0 lead in the 8th minute. The Juniors were not discouraged, survived a short-handed situation and continued to look for the equalizer.
In the second period, the young Salzburgers increased the pressure and created numerous opportunities. But the puck just wouldn't go in the net. Instead, Sisak went against the run of play: Bruno Idzan scored in the 27th minute after a solo effort to make it 2-0. The Red Bulls took the initiative again, but the visitors' compact defense made it difficult for them to get dangerously in front of goal. The home side were unable to take advantage of an overtime situation, and Sisak defended an extended short-handed spell (2+2 minutes) with aplomb - as the team with the best penalty killing in the league. Petar Peceric made it 3:0 for Sisak shortly before the second break (39').
The Juniors continued to dominate proceedings in the final period and created numerous chances. However, Sisak remained defensively stable and countered occasional mistakes by Salzburg with dangerous attacks. An open exchange of blows developed, in which the Juniors showed the better moves, but were unable to find a means against the brilliantly presented goalkeeper Rosandic. Despite a shot on goal ratio of 60 to 31 in favor of the Red Bulls, the game ended 0:3 in Salzburg's favor.