The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Salzburg (Austria) and Porto (Portugal) will take place on September 25 at the Red Bull Arena. Salzburg vs. Porto: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
The Austrians entered the Europa League after being eliminated in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. Last season, the team participated in Europe's most prestigious tournament, finishing 34th in the main stage. Salzburg has not been in the Europa League since the 2022/23 season, when they fell just short of the round of 16. The team's best achievement in this tournament is reaching the semifinals. Additionally, Salzburg has failed to win 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches (1 draw, 4 losses).
- Salzburg has conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 Europa League encounters.
- At home in this tournament, the team has won 8 of their last 10 games (1 draw, 1 loss).
- The club has scored at least one goal in 9 of their last 10 home Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-5-1)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Yannick Schuster, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Krätzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjærgaard, Petar Ratkov, Soumaila Diabate, Moussa Yeo – Yorbe Vertessen.
Midfielder Clement Bischof is suspended.
Porto
Finishing third in the national championship secured Porto a spot in the Europa League. The club also participated in this tournament last season. After finishing 18th in the main stage, the team was knocked out in the first playoff round by Roma. Notably, Porto won the Europa League in the 2010/11 season, but has not advanced beyond the quarterfinals since.
- The Portuguese side has not won 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
- The team has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 games in this tournament.
- The club has conceded at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 away Europa League games.
Predicted lineup for Porto (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa – Francisco Moura, Jan Bednarek, Pablo Rosario, Jakub Kiwior – Victor Froholt, Alan Varela, Gabri Veiga – Pepe, Samu Ajehova, Borja Sainz.
Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio is suspended.
Referee
Vasilis Fotias (Greece)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 50%.
Match Prediction for Salzburg vs. Porto
The Austrians were prolific in the qualifying rounds of this Champions League. Under Thomas Letsch, they conceded in all 4 encounters but failed to score in only one. Similar results are seen in the Europa League, with Salzburg unable to keep a clean sheet in 7 of their last 8 matches in this tournament, while scoring in 14 of their last 17 Europa League games.
The Portuguese prefer attacking football and maintain their style even on foreign fields. The team has scored in 9 consecutive away Europa League games, with Porto netting at least twice in 5 of those matches. However, their defense lacks reliability, as they have conceded in 17 of their last 18 away Europa League games.
I expect the opponents to deliver a high-scoring game. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
