Salzburg Survive Storm & Pachuca to Top Group H in Cincy Thriller

By Mohamed Islam Bouteraa

Red Bull Salzburg didn’t just weather a literal storm in Cincinnati—they rode it to a gutsy 2-1 win over Pachuca, stealing the early lead in a Group H that’s delivering chaos by the minute. With Real Madrid and Al-Hilal locking horns in a draw hours earlier, the Austrians pounced to go top, proving youth and nerve can trump experience.

Teenage Keeper Steals the Show

All eyes were on 18-year-old Salzburg debutant Christian Zawieschitzky—and the kid delivered. Pachuca’s captain Salomón Rondón tested him early, but Zawieschitzky’s jaw-dropping fingertip save in the 31st minute, pushing a header onto the bar, announced him to the world. "He wasn’t just good—he was fearless," one fan tweeted as the rookie kept Salzburg alive.Then came Oscar Gloukh’s magic. Just before halftime, the Israeli wizard danced past a defender and curled a perfect strike into the far corner. 1-0 Salzburg, and TQL Stadium erupted.

Lightning Strikes—Twice

Pachuca charged back after the break, but nature had other plans. A sudden lightning storm halted the game for 90 tense minutes, turning the pitch into a waterfall. When play resumed, Pachuca struck fast: Bryan González’s sneaky free kick from a tight angle slipped inside the near post. 1-1, and momentum swung like a pendulum.

The Header That Broke Mexico’s Heart

Just as Pachuca smelled blood, Salzburg bit back. With 15 minutes left, captain Mads Bidstrup floated a pinpoint cross to substitute Karim Onisiwo, who powered a header into the bottom corner. Cue bedlam in the away end. Pachuca threw everything forward, but Zawieschitzky stood tall again—his debut capped with a win-saving performance.

Group H Just Got Wilder

Salzburg’s young guns didn’t just win—they made a statement. Defender Jacob Rasmussen nailed it: "Young doesn’t mean inexperience. We found the willpower when it mattered." Pachuca boss Jaime Lozano stayed defiant: "We’ll control what we can. This isn’t over."What’s Next?

• Salzburg faces Al-Hilal Sunday. Win, and they’re knocking on the knockout door.
• Pachuca gets Real Madrid—a brutal task, but this tournament loves drama.

After two games, Group H has given us last-minute penalty saves, teenage heroes, and a literal storm. 

If this is just the start, buckle up.