RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid Tips and Odds – 26/06/2025

• Fixture: RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid
• Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA

Match Preview

The final Group H clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup sees Austrian champions RB Salzburg take on European giants Real Madrid at Lincoln Financial Field. Both sides are locked on four points after two games, with Real Madrid holding a slender advantage on goal difference. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win guarantees top spot and a potentially easier path in the knockouts, while a draw is enough for both to progress, though only Madrid would top the group.

Real Madrid enter this fixture buoyed by a gritty 3-1 win over Pachuca, achieved despite playing 83 minutes with ten men after Raul Asencio’s early red card. That victory followed a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal, a match where Madrid looked rusty and missed a late penalty. Salzburg, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Pachuca before being held to a goalless draw by Al-Hilal in a tense, high-temperature encounter. Both sides have shown flashes of quality but also vulnerability, setting up a tantalizing decider.

Team news is pivotal for this showdown. Real Madrid are set for a major boost with the return of Kylian Mbappé, who missed the opening two games due to severe gastroenteritis but is expected to start. Dani Carvajal is also nearing a comeback, though his involvement remains touch-and-go after a long injury layoff and some neck discomfort. However, Madrid must cope without Raul Asencio, suspended after his red card, likely prompting Antonio Rüdiger’s return to the defense. Salzburg, for their part, have no major injury concerns and will look to maintain their defensive solidity, having kept a clean sheet against Al-Hilal.

Madrid’s recent form under new boss Xabi Alonso has been mixed but improving. The win over Pachuca was Alonso’s first in charge, and he’ll be keen to build momentum heading into the knockouts. Salzburg, perennial Bundesliga winners, have shown they can frustrate top opposition, as evidenced by their Champions League outings and their disciplined display against Al-Hilal. Still, they’ll need to find a cutting edge in attack to trouble Madrid, who thrashed them 5-1 in their last competitive meeting at the Bernabéu.

Key Players

• Real Madrid
  • Kylian Mbappé: Set for his Club World Cup debut after illness, Madrid’s new talisman scored 43 goals last season and will be the focal point of the attack.
  • Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has been a driving force, contributing goals and creativity from midfield.
  • Vinícius Júnior: Always a threat with pace and dribbling, he’s likely to exploit any space Salzburg leave behind.
  • Antonio Rüdiger: Stepping in for the suspended Asencio, his experience will be vital at the back.
• RB Salzburg
  • Karim Onisiwo: The Austrian forward’s movement and finishing will be key to unlocking Madrid’s defense.
  • Frans Krätzig: Provides energy and delivery from midfield, crucial in transition.
  • Christian Zawieschitzky: The goalkeeper was outstanding against Al-Hilal, keeping Salzburg in the tournament with key saves.

Prediction

With both teams needing a result to secure qualification, expect a tense but open affair. Salzburg’s defensive discipline could frustrate Madrid early, but the Spanish side’s superior quality and the return of Mbappé should tip the balance. Madrid’s experience in big games, coupled with their attacking firepower, makes them favorites. Expect Salzburg to compete bravely, but Madrid’s class should see them through—likely by a two-goal margin.

Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1-3 Real Madrid

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds sourced from leading bookmakers and may vary. Please gamble responsibly.

Expect fireworks in Philadelphia as Real Madrid look to stamp their authority on Group H and Salzburg aim for a famous scalp. With Mbappé back and both teams in the hunt, this promises to be a memorable Club World Cup encounter!