Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark’s debuts for RB Salzburg could not have gone worse if they’d tried, as their team suffered a 3-0 hammering against Sparta Prague in their Champions League opener.
It was a night to forget for Salzburg and, quite frankly for anyone who had the misfortune of watching.
Sparta Prague were back in the Champions League for the first time since 2005. And they wasted no time reminding everyone why they belonged on the big stage. Kaan Kairinen scored within two minutes because apparently, Salzburg’s defense was still finding their seats.
Just before half-time, Victor Olatunji added a second, as if Salzburg had not already gotten the message. By the time Qazim Laci made it 3-0 just before the hour mark, you would be forgiven for thinking Salzburg were trying to set a record for how quickly they could lose a game.
A nightmare debut for Bajcetic and Clark
Bajcetic and Clark, who were thrust into Salzburg’s midfield, did little to stem the tide. Both players were eventually subbed off before the full-time.
Clark, making his first appearance for Salzburg after a back injury, looked like someone who wished he was still sidelined. As for Bajcetic, this was his first game on loan from Liverpool – a debut he will likely want to erase from memory as soon as possible.
Speaking of Liverpool, Salzburg’s manager is none other than Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant. One wonders if Lijnders was expecting the Champion League to be as much fun as it was under Klopp because this was definitely not it.
Clark, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in 2021, wrote on social media after leaving Liverpool:
“After an incredible three years at Liverpool FC, I’ve decided it’s time for a new challenge. I’ve learned so much during my time at the club and [I] am very thankful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had. Thank you to all the fans who supported me on this journey.”
Clark was signed from Liverpool in August for a $13 million, complete with a buy-back option. Because, clearly, the Reds want to keep tabs on this “investment.”
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