The Matchday 3 encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Salzburg (Austria) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. Salzburg vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
Thomas Lech's team is currently in second place in Group H. They have accumulated 4 points following a victory over Pachuca (2-1) and a draw with Al-Hilal (0-0). The Austrian side will advance to the last 16 of the Club World Cup if they win in the 3rd round or play to a high-scoring draw, starting from 2-2. The club could also progress with other outcomes, but that would depend on the result of the parallel match. Notably, ahead of the final round, Salzburg leads the Arabs by two points and has a better goal difference (one more goal).
- The team has only won two of their last 11 matches in regular time in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup (2 draws and 7 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Salzburg's last 7 matches in these tournaments over 90 minutes.
- The Austrians have conceded two or more goals in regular time in 7 of their last 10 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Christian Zaveczki – Kouaku Gadu, Frans Kretzig, Stefan Lainer, Jakob Rasmussen – Nene Dorgeles, Oscar Gloukh, Mads Bidstrup, Soumaila Diabate – Karim Onisiwo, Edmund Baidoo.
Real Madrid
The Spaniards top the standings in Group H, ahead of the Austrians due to a better goal difference. Madrid started with a draw against Al-Hilal (1-1) and then claimed a convincing victory over Pachuca – 3-1. Interestingly, they were down to ten men as early as the 7th minute but still managed to handle the Mexicans with ease. A win in the upcoming game will secure the team the top spot in the group. Real will also advance to the playoffs with a draw. A loss would still suffice, but only if Pachuca takes points from Al-Hilal.
- Madrid has conceded in regular time in eight of their previous matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Real's last 8 matches in these tournaments over 90 minutes.
- At least three goals have been scored in 10 of the Spaniards' last 12 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup in regular time.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Thibaut Courtois – Dean Donny Huysen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fran Garcia, Raul Asensio – Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde – Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Arda Guler.
It was expected that forward Kylian Mbappe would be ready for this match, but the Spanish coach decided not to risk the Frenchman's health and left him out of the squad. Due to injuries, defenders Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and forward Endrick Felipe will miss the match. Defender Raul Asensio will not play due to a suspension from the previous round.
Referee
Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Matches – 21 (International matches, 2023–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 94;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 31;
Penalties – 29%.
Salzburg vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
It is unlikely that the Austrians will be able to provide serious resistance against the Spaniards. Salzburg has already surprised in this tournament by defeating the Mexicans and taking points from Al-Hilal. However, facing strong European teams is much more challenging for Thomas Lech's side. Incidentally, these clubs met in a common stage of the Champions League in January, where Real thrashed the Austrians 5-1.
Madrid is gradually finding its rhythm. Mistakes still exist, especially in defense, but Xabi Alonso will try to minimize them in this match, as the Spaniards need a win to settle the question of the group winner. Real has excellent records in the Club World Cup and often beats their opponents by two or more goals. Meanwhile, Salzburg has suffered 7 losses in their last 8 UEFA Champions League encounters, all with a margin of more than one goal. I expect that once again, the Austrian club will not be able to stand up to a top European and world team.
My prediction – Real Madrid with a handicap (-1.5)
