Europa League Play-offs: Mjällby AIF Hosts Red Bull Salzburg in First Leg

The first leg is broadcast live. In Austria, the broadcaster accompanies the evening under the programming slot; in Sweden, public-service television shows the match. International streaming services are also carrying the game.

Salzburg Under Pressure

There is a lot at stake for Salzburg. After being eliminated in Champions League qualifying against Brøndby IF, the Europa League is the last chance to qualify for a European group-stage competition. Reaching the league phase would also be an important step financially.

Mjällby is banking on home advantage. The stadium at Strandavallen holds around 6,500 spectators and is likely to be sold out on Thursday evening. The team has already played several home matches in the Swedish Allsvenskan this season and has suffered only one defeat.

Outlook on the League Phase

The situation is clear: An away win or a draw with an away goal would give Salzburg a good starting position for the second leg in a week's time. Mjällby, on the other hand, needs a win or a high-scoring draw to keep alive its chance of reaching the league phase.

Should Salzburg come through the play-offs, the club could face teams such as Ajax Amsterdam, AS Roma or Olympique Lyon in the Europa League league phase. The league-phase draw follows once the play-offs are completed.

Other Austrian Clubs in Action

Alongside the match between Mjällby and Salzburg, further Europa League play-off ties are on the Thursday evening programme. SK Sturm Graz are also in action and face Panathinaikos Athens. For Austrian fans, it is therefore a double European night.