Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FIFA Club World Cup match.
Pachuca will be aiming to secure points in what promises to be a closely contested clash with Red Bull Salzburg. This opening Group H fixture is crucial for both sides, with tougher tests ahead against Real Madrid and Al-Hilal.
Pachuca
Pachuca enter the tournament as CONCACAF Champions League winners, having convincingly defeated Columbus Crew SC (3:0) in the final. However, their track record at the FIFA Club World Cup is underwhelming, with just one win in regular time across nine appearances. On the domestic front, they finished eighth in the Clausura and have managed only one victory in their last five outings. Nonetheless, their attacking threat remains potent, spearheaded by Salomón Rondón. The Venezuelan forward was the top scorer in the CONCACAF Champions League with nine goals and netted 15 more in the Mexican league.
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg are making their first appearance at the tournament, having qualified through UEFA’s ranking system. Their previous campaign fell short of expectations: they finished runners-up in the Austrian Bundesliga and were eliminated early in the UEFA Champions League, suffering six defeats in seven matches. The squad maintained a positive attacking philosophy domestically, racking up 53 goals and scoring in 15 consecutive league fixtures. Their leading scorer was Dorgeles Nene, who contributed 13 goals and five assists, with support from Israel international Oscar Gloukh and Yorbe Vertessen, formerly of PSV Eindhoven.
Pachuca vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction
Both teams adopt an attacking mindset and are consistently effective in front of goal. Pachuca found the net in every match of this year’s CONCACAF Champions League, while Red Bull Salzburg also scored in each of their recent league games. A goal at both ends looks highly probable.
