Salzburg 1-0 Levski Sofia: Austrians Climb High

Admir Vladavic & Marc Janko Red Bull Salzburg (Getty)

Salzburg needed just one goal at home to edge back Levski Sofia in the Europa League.

This result sees the hosts stay top of the group with a 100 per cent record, three ahead of Lazio and six ahead of Villarreal, while Levski, who  have no points and no goals.

The hosts started the brighter but it wasn't until 18 minutes in when they first tested Georgi Petkov in the visiting goal and the 'keeper was equal to Andres Ulmer's effort.

Hristo Yovov could have given the visitors the lead minutes later, but he somehow managed to hit the woodwork with the goal at his mercy after good work down the left flank from Nikolay Dimitrov.

The home side settled and took the lead when Slovakian midfielder Dusan Svento bagged the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time with a sweet left-footed effort from the edge of the box sailing past Petkov.

While Petkov could do nothing about the goal he was alert to stop Svento doubling the home sides advantage on the hour, coming off his line to thwart the midfielder.

Huub Steven's side continued to press for a second and although Djordje Rakic went close with a header, the two-goal cushion never came and wasn't needed in the end as 1-0 it remained at the final whistle.

The Austrians are now three points clear on top of the group while Levski, under ne coach Antoni Zdravkov for the first time since the resignation of Ratko Dostanic must go back to the drawing board.

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