First points in sight | Red Bulls host Liberec in the CHL
Friday, 04. September 2026 |

CHL Regular Season | Bílí Tygři Liberec

First points in sight | Red Bulls host Liberec in the CHLThe Czechs arrive in Salzburg on the back of a loss// CHLEC Red Bull Salzburg will play their first Champions Hockey League game tomorrow, Saturday, at home against Bílí Tygři Liberec (7:15 p.m., Sporteurope.tv) and are aiming for their first points after yesterday's opening loss against Cologne.
The Czechs also suffered a defeat in the first round of the regular season in Finland against Tappara Tampere.
Preview with Luca Auer
Background
It was an intense and physical match that the Red Bulls displayed yesterday against the Cologne Sharks at the Salzburg Ice Arena. With an incredible atmosphere in their nearly sold-out home arena, Salzburg largely stifled the DEL regular season champions in their 2-5 defeat, but lacked the clinical finishing touch to turn the game around.
The upcoming second home game against Bílí Tygři Liberec will be no easier. Like the Red Bulls, the Czechs also qualified for the CHL as third-place finishers in last year's domestic regular season (Tipsport Extraliga) and are eager to make a strong showing on Europe's biggest ice hockey stage after a six-year absence.
Similar Game Stories
Liberec suffered a 3-6 defeat in Tampere yesterday, but only became clearly outmatched towards the end. Just like the Red Bulls against Cologne, the young Czechs, whose roster included seven players selected in this year's CHL Import Draft (the Canadian Hockey League's entry draft), were hot on the heels of the Finns for much of the game and even managed to close the gap to 2-3 in the 42nd minute. Only then did the experienced Finns pull away and secure a decisive home victory.
In the second game of the CHL regular season, Salzburg and Liberec will face off as two evenly matched teams. The Red Bulls aim to capitalize on their home-ice advantage this time, especially since the Czechs have had a long day of travel.
Personnel situation
In addition to Florian Baltram and Fabian Baumann, who were already sidelined yesterday due to injury, Wyatt Kalynuk will also be unavailable. The Canadian defenseman suffered an upper-body injury in yesterday's game and will be out indefinitely.
Statement by Luca Auer
"We've analyzed the details from yesterday's game against Cologne that were lacking and are feeling positive about the game against Liberec. We expect tough, fast-paced hockey, as is typical of the Czechs. But we're well-prepared and determined to get our first win."
Champions Hockey League EC Red Bull Salzburg – Bílí Tygři Liberec Sat, 05/09/2026 | Eisarena Salzburg, 7:15 PM Sporteurope.tv
CHL | Red Bulls Regular Season
Do, 03.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Kölner Haie 2:5 (0:2, 2:2, 0:1) Sa, 05.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Bílí Tygri Liberec | 7.15 p.m. Fr, 11.09.2026 | Växjö Lakers vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7 p.m. So, 13.09.2026 | Rögle Ängelholm vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg | 3 p.m. Mi, 07.10.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Eisbären Berlin | 8.20 p.m. Di, 13.10.2026 | Skellefteå AIK vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7 p.m.
Next home game of the Red Bulls
Champions Hockey League On 5 September vs. Bílí Tygři Liberec Eisarena Salzburg | 7.15 p.m. Sporteurope.tv
Red Bulls lose CHL opener at home against Cologne
Mit Video
Red Bulls lose CHL opener at home against Cologne// CHL
3.404 Liberec completes Salzburg's first CHL home weekend
3.404 Liberec completes Salzburg's first CHL home weekend// CHL | OPPONENTS REGULAR SEASON
"Our CHL opponents are formidable!"
"Our CHL opponents are formidable!"// CHL