Match report
The Red Bulls, whose 18-year-old academy striker Adrian Gesson made his professional debut, dominated the opening stages in Bolzano and enjoyed significant possession. The home team first threatened in the 6th minute during a scramble in front of Atte Tolvanen's goal. They scored on their second opportunity, Cole Schneider deflecting a long-range shot under the crossbar on the power play (10th minute). Shortly afterward, Atte Tolvanen denied Luca Frigo a chance that had been set free (11th minute). The Red Bulls continued to dictate the game, but were still too playful in front of goal. Niki Kraus had a good opportunity one-on-one in front of Sam Harvey's goal (15th minute). Salzburg continued to press and had further opportunities before the break – even in the final minute, Michael Raffl couldn't get past the goalie with a shot on goal – but they initially failed to capitalize.
The Red Bulls equalized early in the second period. Sam Harvey couldn't save a powerful shot from Lucas Thaler, and Travis St. Denis flicked the puck over the goalie with a flying save (22nd minute). Salzburg stayed on the edge and took the lead for the first time three minutes later with a spectacular combination play; Michael Raffl passed into the slot to Lucas Thaler, who slotted home a one-timer (26th minute). Then Adrian Gesson's moment came, beating a defender one day before his 19th birthday and putting the puck in the net almost as he fell (29th minute). Bolzano then had a strong period with many shots, starting with a power play. And just while shorthanded, Luca Frigo scored from full speed to tie the game (36th minute). But Salzburg had turned the game around and took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.
There was a lot of back and forth in the final period, and things got a bit rougher. Atte Tolvanen prevented the home team from equalizing with a strong save during a 2-on-1 counterattack (44th minute). After a dangerous power play by Bolzano, Travis St. Denis struck on the power play, securing his first brace with a well-aimed shot into the top corner (49th minute). Brett Pollock then had a chance to tie the home team with a clear shot (51st minute). Both teams now had further opportunities, such as Benjamin Nissner after a short solo run (53rd minute). And Bolzano came back into the game, with Mark Barberio scoring on the power play with a deflected shot to make it 3-4 (56th minute). This initiated the heated final phase. But the Red Bulls held on to their lead after a few hectic scenes with penalties on both sides and ultimately celebrated a hard-earned 4-3 victory in Bolzano.
