Advertisement

Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark endure nightmare debuts for RB Salzburg

-Credit: (Image: AFP or licensors)
-Credit: (Image: AFP or licensors)


Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark were part of a RB Salzburg side that was handily beaten on Sparta Prague's return to the Champions League.

Sparta hadn't played in the competition since 2005 but returned with a bang, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes with a goal from Kaan Kairinen. Victor Olatunji doubled the hosts' lead just before half-time before the scoring was completed by Qazim Laci just before the hour mark.

Bajcetic and Clark lined up alonsgide each other in Salzburg's midfield but had little impact on proceedings and were both withdrawn before the 90 minutes were up.

Clark joined Salzburg on a permanent deal in August but this was his first appearance for his new club after recovering from a back injury.

Salzburg, managed by Jurgen Klopp's former assistant at Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, signed Clark for a fee of around $13million, with the Reds inserting a buy-back option as well as a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause in the deal.

Clark, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in 2021, wrote on social media after leaving Liverpool: “After an incredible three years at Liverpool FC, I’ve decided it’s time for a new challenge. I’ve learned so much during my time at the club and [I] am very thankful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had. Thank you to all the fans who supported me on this journey.”

Bajcetic, meanwhile, joined Salzburg on a season-long loan deal in August and, like Clarke, the game in Prague was his first game for Salzburg.