Tierney captained the club in the away from home tie, but the Glasgow giants were well beaten after second half goals from Moanes Dabour (two) and Takumi Minamino cancelled out Odsonne Edouard's second minute strike.
The Austrian side were superior in the game and recorded 65% possession and 25 shots at home.
Such stats certainly add to Tierney's case that Salzburg belong in Europe's premier competition.
Speaking after the game he said they were: "a Champions League team, with the standard of their play and the pressure they put us under"
"It is a very hard place to come and get a result," he added. "We're obviously disappointed we lost but we know it was a great team we have played against as well.''
The Isle of Man born left-back went on to say that he thought Celtic's home form could still see them through the group stage
"The home games are really important for us, and away you prepare well and try to get what you can out of them.
"We were unfortunate to concede a few goals after a good start but there are a few games to go yet."