Joachim strikes as Dudelange shock Salzburg

F91 Dudelange condemned FC Salzburg to a surprise first-leg defeat after Aurélien Joachim scored his fifth goal in three UEFA Champions League games this season.

The ten-time Luxembourg champions poured scorn on their underdog status as they hectored and harried their opponents in a fiercely-competitive encounter. Just as it seemed a winner would elude them, Joachim struck 15 minutes from time as delirium ensued inside the intimate surroundings of Jos Nosbaum.

The writing was on the wall for Salzburg when midfielder Dušan Švento limped off after two minutes. Dudelange immediately took control but for all their possession, they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities. Frustrated, Thierry Steimetz resorted to sheer audacity but his firm effort was repelled by Alexander Walke. Spanish midfielder Jonathan Soriano also tried his luck from distance, but Jonathan Joubert was equal to his ambitious free-kick.

Joachim broke the deadlock 14 minutes later with a rasping drive from 25 metres. The prolific forward almost turned provider moments later, but Sofian Benzouien failed to conclude a sweeping counterattack. Salzburg's misery was compounded when Soriano was shown a second yellow card on the stroke of full time. He will be suspended when his team attempt to turn the tie next Tuesday.