Marsch and Salzburg Have Long Climb After Fall Against Villareal

Red Bull Salzburg's UEFA Europa League campaign is in peril after a 2-0 loss to Villareal on Thursday evening. The game was tight with Salzburg playing well but showing their inexperience against a team and manager that knows how to take advantage of any and all moments in a game.

"We played against opponents who were very clever and made few mistakes," said Marsch after the game. "We made a few of the kind of mistakes that young teams tend to make. We have to fly to Spain now and perform better if we can."

Salzburg was lucky to escape the first half just down by a goal. A penalty was awarded midway through the first half but Cican Stankovic made the save, keeping the game level. The penalty taker, Paco Alcacer, was not to be denied as he finally scored just before the half to give his team the lead.

Marsch's team did create chances in the second half but Villareal were stout enough defensively to minimize the danger. That paid off again in the 71st minute when Nino doubled the lead, sending Unai Emery's team back to Spain with a strong advantage. 

"Salzburg competed well," said Emery. "We didn't have much luck in our recent matches and we got that back today."