The second leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Club Brugge (Belgium) and Salzburg (Austria) will take place on August 12 at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The first leg ended 1-0 in favor of Club Brugge. Club Brugge vs. Salzburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Club Brugge
Nicky Hayen's side defeated the Austrians 1-0 in the first match. Notably, before this game, the team had conceded in five consecutive Champions League matches. The Belgians have shown uncompromising results in this tournament, winning three and losing three of their last six games. To advance to the next round, Club Brugge only needs to avoid defeat in the second leg. If the club loses by a minimal margin, extra time will be played.
- The team has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 9 of their last 12 Champions League matches.
- At home in this tournament, the Belgians have not lost in 4 of their last 5 matches (3 wins, 1 draw).
- Club Brugge has conceded in 6 of their last 8 home Champions League games.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer, Jorne Spillers, Joaquin Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Ludovit Reis – Christos Tzolis, Romeo Vermant, Hugo Vetlesen.
Salzburg
The defeat in the last match was the team's fifth in their last seven Champions League games (1 win, 1 draw). The Austrians have conceded in 12 consecutive games in this tournament. Salzburg failed to score for the first time in five Champions League matches. To advance to the next round, Thomas Lech's side needs to win by at least two goals. Notably, in the previous Champions League campaign, the club achieved only two victories, both with the necessary goal difference.
- Both teams scored in 4 of Salzburg's last 5 Champions League matches.
- Away from home, Salzburg has not won in 13 of their last 17 Champions League matches (5 draws, 8 losses).
- The team has scored in 5 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Kwaku Gadu, Jacob Rasmussen, Franz Kretzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjaergaard, Sota Kitano, Soumaila Diabate – Nene Dorgeles, Yorbe Vertessen.
Midfielder Sota Kitano is injured.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 17 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 59%.
Match Prediction: Club Brugge vs. Salzburg
In the return leg, the Belgians need to maintain their lead, and home advantage should be one of their main allies. At home in the previous Champions League campaign, the team did not lose in 4 of 6 matches (3 wins, 1 draw). The defeats came against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, who both reached the quarter-finals.
Salzburg needs a win, but achieving that result away in the Champions League is rare for the team. In their last 17 away matches in the Champions League, the club has only 4 victories (5 draws, 8 losses). Additionally, in the last tournament, the Austrians played seven away matches, conceding a total of 18 goals.
The visitors will be forced to attack, providing opportunities for the Belgians to capitalize. Therefore, my prediction: Club Brugge will not lose and Total Over 1.5 goals
