In a thrilling Champions League clash on Wednesday, Salzburg striker Karim Konate scored twice, leading his team to a remarkable 3-1 victory over Feyenoord. The win marked Salzburg’s first points and goals in this season’s group stage, achieved against the odds at De Kuip Stadium.
The 20-year-old Konate, fresh from his success with Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive error by Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther. A misplaced rollout set up Oscar Gloukh on the left wing, who sent a perfect cross for Konate to head home.
Salzburg doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Konate pounced again, this time on a looping header from Kamil Piatkowski, volleying it in with precision to make it 2-0. Feyenoord’s hopes took another hit in the 79th minute as substitute Chris-Kevin Nadje was shown a red card after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Read Also: Aston Villa’s champions league dream stumbles as Mings’ Bizarre Blunder hands Brugge victory
Despite being down to 10 men, Feyenoord found a lifeline just two minutes later, as Anis Hadj Moussa skillfully scored from a tight angle, sparking hope for a late comeback. However, their momentum faded when Konate narrowly missed a hat-trick, hitting the crossbar with an 85th-minute penalty awarded after another VAR check.
In the closing moments, substitute Daouda Guindo sealed the win with a stunning left-footed strike, ensuring Salzburg’s victory and a crucial three points. Feyenoord, who had been in strong form with recent wins over Girona and Benfica, were left stunned by the youthful Austrian side.