Salzburg came into the game in desperate need of a win after losing the first three games of the League Phase, and with their opponents victorious just twice in eight games on their travels this season, the hosts were favourites for a maiden victory.
Despite playing in a smoke-filled Red Bull Arena amid a hostile atmosphere from the home fans, it were Go Ahead Eagles who had the early momentum as Mathis Suray saw a powerful shot from distance saved. It took until just before the quarter-hour mark for the home side to create an opening when Clement Bischoff fashioned space on the edge of the box before shooting on goal, but Jari De Busser did well to parry the ball to safety.
Following a sluggish start, the Eagles were presented with a brilliant opportunity to break the deadlock midway through the half when Kenzo Goudmijn was picked out just inside the box, before he took a touch and skewed his effort wide despite having no pressure.
Salzburg finished the first half off the stronger of the two sides as Bischoff once again came close to the opener, but his shot from 20 yards out flew narrowly wide, resulting in a goalless opening 45 minutes.
Second-half turnaround
Following a subdued start after the interval, Salzburg opened the scoring just before the hour mark after a slick team move. A short spell of possession culminated with Aleksa Terzić being fed down the left flank, and his inch-perfect ball into the box was turned home by Yorbe Vertessen for his second goal in the UEL this campaign.
With the burden of breaking the deadlock removed, the freedom in the Salzburg players was evident as they went in pursuit of a quick second. Sōta Kitano saw two efforts saved before Edmund Baidoo’s deflected effort was comfortably gathered by De Busser.
After delivering the assist for the opener, Terzić eased the tension around the Red Bull Arena in the 81st minute after drifting towards the box before rifling a rocket into the top corner.
The two goal involvements from the Serbian proved to be the two that provided a much-needed European victory for Salzburg, who remain in the elimination places despite the success.