Real Madrid go head-to-head with Red Bull Salzburg in a Group H encounter of the FIFA Club World Cup, with a place in the last 16 at stake. The European sides are on four points each and lead the group standings, with Real Madrid top on goal difference. As Saudi club Al-Hilal is on 2 points and facing a seemingly easy game against the underwhelming Mexican side Pachuca, qualification is not assured for the team that loses this contest. Real Madrid smashed RB Salzburg 5-1 when the two sides met in the group stages of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, with goals from Rodrigo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe. Frenchman Mbappe missed Madrid's first two games in the FIFA Club World Cup competition due to a case of gastroenteritis, but the Madrid striker is on the verge of making a return in this game. Real Madrid are huge favorites to win according to the oddsmakers.
Bet on Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Madrid with Bet365
- FOOTBALL: RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid, FIFA Club World Cup, Group Stage
- Where to Watch: DAZN, 5, FIFA TV, Fancode, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Supersport, TUDN, TNT
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
- Date: 26.06.2025 21:00 ET
Red Bull Salzburg
Salzburg are 12-time Austrian champions, but this is their first Club World Cup, and they are on the verge of making it to the knockout stages, except for the slight matter of Real Madrid. Salzburg beat Mexican side Pachuca on Matchday 1 before a draw with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to gain 4 points. The goalless draw with the Saudis ended a run of 16 matches where the Austrians had scored at least one goal. With the likely change in personnel in the Real Madrid defense, Thomas Letsch's boys may fancy themselves to make the game interesting. Salzburg has a few injury problems, with midfielder Takumu Kawamura already home after a knee injury. And 18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky is set to continue in goal due to a hand injury to the first-choice goalkeeper, Alexander Schlager.
RB Salzburg Possible Starting Lineup
Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Rasmussen, Kratzig, Bidstrup, Diabate, Nene, Gloukh, Onisiwo, Baidoo.
Bet on Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Madrid with Bet365Real Madrid
Los Blancos have not lost a game at the FIFA Club World Cup since 2000. Down to 10 men 8 minutes into their game against Pachuca last time out, Real Madrid executed a masterful performance that saw them win 3-0 and ascend to the top of Group H. Los Blancos had played out a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal on Matchday 1. Playing without Mbappe, who was hospitalized in the United States last week, Real have managed to overcome two tough games despite the number of absent regulars. Antonio Rudiger played for the first time after recovering from injury against Pachuca, when he came on against Pachuca, and is set to start in defense following the red card suspension of Raul Asensio. Thibaut Courtois was at his imperial best in the game against Pachuca, keeping the Mexicans from taking the lead after they lost a man. Real Madrid are 5-time winners of the Club World Cup, but this new format poses the toughest test they will face in this competition. Xabi Alonso must beat Salzburg to calm the frayed nerves of the Madrid faithful.
Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia, Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde, Vinicius Jr., F. Garcia.
Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Madrid Betting Odds
Betway has RB Salzburg as massive 7.60 underdogs. Real Madrid are 1.61 to win the first half on the sportsbook. Over 3.5 is offered by 1xBet for 1.904, with the under available at 1.998. Bet365 lists both teams to score at 1.6 odds and a draw at 6.2. Read more here.
Bet on Red Bull Salzburg vs. Real Madrid with Bet365
