Perfect Salzburg post sixth win against Esbjerg

FC Salzburg completed a clean sweep of UEFA Europa League wins for a second time by dispatching Esbjerg fB 3-0.

Both teams were already assured a round of 32 berth, but there was no let up from Salzburg who went in front when Sadio Mané finished coolly after 15 minutes. The Senegal midfielder struck again in the second half shortly after Kevin Kampl had made it two as Roger Schmidt's side sealed spot in Group C.

Needing to win by a two-goal margin to leapfrog their Austrian hosts into first, Esbjerg started with intent, full-back Jonas Knudsen slashing wide on the angle. Salzburg were swift to regain their composure as Christoph Leitgeb's inviting cross picked out Andreas Ulmer, who headed straight at Frederik Rønnow when well-placed inside the area. 

Salzburg soon began to exhibit the positive brand of football that has seen them go unbeaten at home in all competitions this season. After taking receipt of Florian Klein's pass, Kampl eked out a cross on the byline for Mané, who fired clinically into the corner. It should have been two when Alan collected Franz Schiemer's cut-back with an unguarded net at his mercy. Normally so assured, the Brazilian forward cleared the crossbar as Esbjerg breathed a sigh of relief.

Alan had the chance to make amends after the break when Ulmer's free-kick was parried into his path, but he conspired to miss the target again. Kampl made no mistake soon after, collecting Mané's cushioned header and sweeping into the net from the edge of the area. Mané rounded off the scoring five minutes later, running onto Alan's cut-back and tapping in at the back post.