Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FIFA Club World Cup match.
Red Bull Salzburg must go for victory, as anything less would leave their hopes of advancing to the knockout round in serious jeopardy. Real Madrid only require a draw, but the Spanish giants are unlikely to play it safe—finishing top of the group is not just about prestige; it secures a more favourable opponent in the round of 16.
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg have turned in two credible displays so far: a win against Pachuca and a draw with Al-Hilal have kept their qualification chances alive. The Austrians have demonstrated attacking ambition, having scored in 16 straight matches before facing Pachuca. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern. In their most recent Champions League campaign, Salzburg suffered a 1:5 defeat to Real Madrid, and they have conceded in nine of their last eleven games.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are not without their own vulnerabilities, but the overall quality of their squad is significantly higher. In eight of their most recent fixtures, they have scored two or more goals on seven occasions. Even in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, the squad generated 2.64 xG against Al-Hilal and defeated Pachuca (3:1) while playing with only ten men. Defensive lapses remain an issue, however—they have conceded in both of their Club World Cup fixtures so far, and Marco Asensio will miss this match due to suspension. On a brighter note, Kylian Mbappé may return to the squad following illness.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction
The match is expected to reflect the dynamics of their January meeting: an adventurous Red Bull Salzburg will likely leave space at the back, which Real Madrid are primed to exploit. The Austrians should find the net, but keeping a clean sheet appears unlikely.
