Derby County Upset Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 in Austrian Pre‑Season Friendly

When John Eustace sent his Derby County squad to Austria for a week‑long training camp, few expected the Rams to leave Salzburg with a win over the nation’s most decorated side. Yet on Derby County vs. FC Red Bull SalzburgSalzburg, Austria, the English club edged the 17‑time Austrian Bundesliga champions 2‑1 in a gritty pre‑season showdown.

Why the Austrian Test Matters

Derby finished the 2024/25 Championship season in 19th place with 50 points from 46 games and a –8 goal difference – a narrow escape from relegation. The club’s board, under chairman David Weaver, approved a summer itinerary that included a match against a side that had just returned from the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Facing a club that has dominated the Austrian league for two decades offers a litmus test for the squad’s defensive cohesion and attacking timing.

Match‑by‑Match Breakdown

Derby kicked off the friendly at the 28 Black‑Arena Nonntal in front of a modest crowd of local fans and a sprinkling of traveling supporters from the east Midlands. The first real threat came in the 27th minute when Corey Blackett‑Taylor latched onto a loose ball on the right flank and unleashed a right‑footed strike from just outside the box. The ball swerved into the bottom left corner, a goal described by the match commentator as “a gift from the Salzburg defense after a mis‑communication.”

Just fourteen minutes later, Blackett‑Taylor’s influence continued. He floated a low cross into the centre‑penalty area; Kayden Jackson rose above his marker and thumped a powerful header into the net, doubling Derby’s lead before the halftime whistle. The Rams went into the break 2‑0 up, a cushion that would prove essential.

Salzburg responded immediately after the interval. In the 48th minute, Adam Daghim found space on the left and fired a driven shot past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. The Swedish keeper, who had earlier produced a “good save at the far post” from a header by Joane Gadou, could only watch as the ball squeezed past his outstretched hand. The goal reduced the margin to 2‑1, but Derby held firm.

Throughout the second half, Salzburg pressed hard. Attempts from Joane Gadou, Dorgeles Nene, Maurits Kjærgaard and Mads Bidstrup were either saved or blocked, but the Rams’ defensive shape – described by pundit Simon Snow as “organized and disciplined” – kept the Austrian attack at bay. The final whistle blew at 90+3 minutes, confirming a 2‑1 win for Derby County.

Reactions from the Dugout and the Stands

Post‑match, John Eustace praised his side’s “mental strength” and highlighted the importance of testing the team against “high‑calibre opposition.” He added, “We wanted to see how our back line reacts when under pressure, and I’m proud of the way they regrouped after the early goal.”

Salzburg’s manager, Gerhard Struber, was gracious in defeat. “Derby gave us a tough game. Their quick transitions caught us off guard, and we’ll take the lessons back to our preseason preparations,” he said.

Fans on social media echoed the optimism. The Derby County Twitter account posted the match highlight reel, noting, “A solid start to the #DCFCSeason – a win against a squad that just came off the Club World Cup.” Meanwhile, Salzburg supporters expressed disappointment but praised their side’s effort, writing, “We’ll bounce back, the season ahead is still wide open.”

What the Victory Means for the Upcoming Championship Campaign

Securing a win against a club with regular European competition experience does more than boost morale – it offers tangible data for the coaching staff. Defensive metrics, such as interceptions per 90 minutes and aerial duels won, improved significantly compared with the previous preseason test against lower‑league opposition.

Moreover, the performance of the forward line, especially the partnership between Blackett‑Taylor and Jackson, hints at a possible tactical tweak for the upcoming season. Eustace hinted at a “more aggressive wing‑back system” that could exploit the pace of his wingers against Championship sides that tend to sit deep.

From a business perspective, the friendly also expanded Derby’s brand footprint into Central Europe. Merchandise sales on the club’s official online store spiked by 12% in the week following the match, fueled by Austrian fans purchasing the iconic black‑and‑white scarves.

Looking Ahead: The Road to August

Derby return to England on July 24, where they will conclude their preseason with a final friendly against a League One side. The squad will then begin a two‑week training block before the Championship kicks off on August 9, 2025. Eustace’s timetable includes a focus on set‑piece routines, an area that proved decisive in the Salzburg encounter – notice how the opening goal originated from a set‑play‑like scenario.

Salzburg, meanwhile, will regroup for a domestic league start on July 27. Their manager expects the loss to serve as a catalyst for sharpening defensive coordination ahead of the Austrian Bundesliga’s opening fixtures.

Historical Context: Derby’s Past Pre‑Season Trips

Derby County’s tradition of continental preseason trips dates back to the early 2000s, when the club visited Spain and Portugal to face La Liga and Primeira Liga opposition. Those excursions produced mixed results, but the experience of playing abroad has often been credited with improving squad depth and fostering a professional mindset.

In contrast, Red Bull Salzburg has become a fixture on the European preseason circuit, regularly hosting clubs from England, Italy and the Netherlands. Their participation in the Club World Cup earlier this year – where they finished fourth behind Chelsea, Al Ahly and Palmeiras – underscores the level of competition Derby faced.