Tabakovic leads Salzburg into Europa League play-off with hat-trick

Red Bull Salzburg qualified for the play-off round of the Europa League on Thursday with a 3-3 draw in the second leg of the third qualifying round against Cypriot club Pafos. After trailing 0-2 at halftime, newly signed forward Haris Tabakovic scored a hat-trick within 15 minutes to propel Salzburg into the play-off.

Tabakovic found the net in the 54th minute, converted a penalty in the 58th minute, and completed his hat-trick with a third goal in the 70th minute. He had already contributed to a 1-0 lead in the first leg before the match took place in Cyprus.

In an intense match filled with tension, Salzburg leveled the score thanks to Tabakovic, thus ensuring their entry into the European league phase. Pafos initially dominated the game with a strong first half, going into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

In the play-off, Red Bull Salzburg will face Swedish champions Mjällby. The team now has the opportunity to secure their place in the Europa League and qualify for the group stage.