The Champions Hockey League debut was a failure for Red Bull Hamburg! Salzburg had to accept defeat against Skellefteå AIK 0:4 (0:1, 0:2, 0:1). After a short warm-up phase, Sweden took control. The Swedish runners-up applied considerable pressure, forcing the Red Bulls into their own zone. Hamburg goalkeeper David Kickert stopped the home team’s first few dangerous shots, even though they were outnumbered, but was unable to prevent the home team from leading 0–1 after a long solo save from Rickard Haug (11th). From the 13th minute onwards, Borussia also played aggressively and had the first top chance; Benjamin Niesner and Mario Huber led off the power play (17th) and Paul Huber singled (18th). Skellefteå goalkeeper David Rautio saved Sweden’s lead after 20 minutes.
Red Bull Austria rallied in the second period. The people of Mozartstadt also worked at the same level. Nevertheless, the home team increased their lead after a rebound goal from Oscar Vuolet (24th). The Swedish runners-up again proved to be more powerful, and despite good individual moves, Hamburg could rarely get in front of goal. When they were outnumbered (37th) Skellefteå’s Martins Djierkels found the net after a 2-on-1 counter-attack to give the hosts a 3–0 lead after 40 minutes.
The Red Bulls started strongly again in the third period. However, like Troy Bourke, he did not force enough to finish from close range (42′). David Kickert distinguished himself by making many saves, especially when outnumbered. Salzberg continued to make every effort and occasionally managed to create chances. However, David Rautio could not be beaten on goal and Sweden eventually scored the final point with the fourth goal (56th), with Par Lindholm scoring on the power play thus making the final score 4–0 from Sweden’s point of view. .
