Thursday, 04. September 2025 |
Red Bulls narrowly miss point against IlvesSalzburg loses intense match in Tampere 1-2// CHL Regular SeasonEC Red Bull Salzburg suffered a 1-2 defeat in an intense Champions Hockey League away game against Ilves Tampere.The Red Bulls initially had to adjust to the high level of play of the Finns, but then settled into the game well. The home team's lead was equalized by a long-range shot from Devante Stephens. Only after the Finns took the lead again in the final period could the Red Bulls ultimately fail to add to their lead. With a little more luck, however, a point would have been possible. In two days, on September 6, the away game in Kuopio against Finnish champions KalPa continues.
Statements Manny Viveiros & Niki Kraus
Game recap
The Red Bulls (with CHL debutant Maximilian Kirchebner replacing the dropped Philipp Wimmer) entered the game in Tampere with an early, successfully defended shorthanded play. The game was initially evenly matched. Ilves subsequently combined dangerously in the attacking zone, while the Red Bulls, while also aggressive, weren't yet dominant in front of goal. Nevertheless, in the 15th minute, the Red Bulls created their first dangerous poke in front of Roope Taponen's goal, and overall, Salzburg increasingly played from a solid defense, which ultimately made it difficult for Ilves to embarrass Atte Tolvanen in the Salzburg goal. The first intermission ended with a scoreless game.
The second period continued on a level playing field. Michael Raffl had a good opportunity in the slot on the power play (28th minute). But then the home team took advantage of a 3-on-1 counterattack to take the lead, with Luke Henman scoring with a precise shot from mid-range (29th minute). The Red Bulls continued to play with pressure and also had chances. Often, all they needed was that final good pass to create more compelling opportunities. But then Devante Stephens simply shot, and with the help of an opposing defender's stick, the puck went unstoppably into the net (36th minute). A deserved equalizer in the second period, in which Ilves, however, missed a great opportunity before the break.
In the final period, Ilves increased the pressure immensely and forced the Red Bulls onto the defensive. Atte Tolvanen now had a lot to do, but was in great form and thwarted several chances. Salzburg were soon able to break free of the pressure and, at times, establish their own offensive play. Travis St. Denis showed a good backhand shot from a tight angle (50th minute). But then it was Samuli Ratinen who put the home team back in the lead with a lob under the crossbar. In the highly intense final phase, the Red Bulls threw everything forward again, but now the Finns cleverly defended their lead. They hardly allowed any more chances and handed Salzburg their first narrow CHL loss of the current season.
Highlights Ilves vs. Red Bulls
Statement by Niki Kraus
"It was a very tough away game. Ilves is an excellent team; you hardly have time to think and make plays. But we played well for a long time, and losing by such a narrow margin in the end is still bitter."
Champions Hockey League
Ilves Tampere – EC Red Bull Salzburg 2:1 (0:0, 1:1, 1:0)
Goals:
1:0 | 28:43 | Luke Henman
1:1 | 35:23 | Devante Stephens
2:1 | 49:37 | Samuli Ratinen
Attendance: 1,697
Mit Galerie
Red Bulls ready for Ilves Tampere// CHL REGULAR SEASON
Mit Video
Red Bulls face two tough CHL away games// CHL REGULAR SEASON
Mit Video
Red Bulls celebrate a 6-point weekend at the start of the CHL// CHL REGULAR SEASON