LINZ, Austria (Interstat) — Defying pregame projections, FC Salzburg delivered a commanding 2-0 away victory over B-W Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Hofmann Personal Stadion.

The result, secured by second-half goals from substitutes Petar Ratkov and Edmund Baidoo, flipped the script on statistical forecasts. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 win for Salzburg, while its ELO rating system gave the home side, B-W Linz, a 74.60 percent probability of victory. Instead, Salzburg’s clinical finishing and a resilient defensive display handed Linz a defeat to open their league campaign.

The first half saw the home side attempt to leverage their favored status, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Salzburg backline. The visitors grew into the match and struck decisively late in the first period. In the 19th minute, defender Alem Pašić provided the assist for striker Petar Ratkov, who entered the game as a substitute, to slot home the opening goal.

B-W Linz pushed for an equalizer after the break, but their efforts were stifled. The match grew increasingly tense, reflected in a series of yellow cards. Linz’s Alem Pašić was booked in the 65th minute, followed by Salzburg defender Fabio Strauss in the 75th.

Any lingering hope for the hosts was extinguished in the 70th minute when Salzburg doubled its lead. Another substitute, Edmund Baidoo, found the net, with the assist credited to defender Fabio Strauss. Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, who also recorded an assist on the day, was shown a yellow card in the third minute of second-half stoppage time as his team managed the final moments to preserve the clean sheet.

With the win, Salzburg begins its Bundesliga season with a perfect record of one win and no losses. B-W Linz starts its campaign with one loss and no wins. The records across all competitions for both clubs mirror their league starts.

The victory underscores Salzburg’s continued strength and depth, with impactful performances coming from its bench. The defeat for B-W Linz, despite being statistically favored at home, presents an early challenge as they look to establish themselves in the league standings.