The first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Salzburg (Austria) and Club Brugge (Belgium) will take place on August 6 at the Red Bull Arena. Salzburg vs. Club Brugge: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
The team qualified for the Champions League by finishing second in the Austrian championship last season. In this tournament, Thomas Leitch's side has already advanced past one stage, defeating Brann (4-1, 1-1). However, their performance in the 2024/25 Champions League was disappointing, with Salzburg suffering seven defeats and finishing 34th. They conceded 27 goals, the worst record among all teams. Notably, the team has participated in the Champions League group stage for six consecutive seasons.
- Salzburg has failed to win 5 of their last 6 Champions League matches (1 draw, 4 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of their last 7 games in this tournament.
- In 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Champions League, the team conceded at least two goals.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Kwaku Gadu, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Krätzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjærgaard, Sota Kitano, Soumaila Diabate – Karim Onisiwo, Edmund Baidoo.
Club Brugge
Finishing second in the national championship allowed the Belgians to participate in the most prestigious European competition. Nicky Hayen's team is set to play their first matches in the 2025/26 Champions League and will surely aim to replicate last season's success. In the previous tournament, Club Brugge finished 24th in the group stage, then advanced past Atalanta in the playoffs but were stopped by Aston Villa in the Round of 16 (0-3, 1-3). Thus, the club matched its best Champions League achievement.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Club Brugge's last 8 Champions League matches.
- The team has not won in 7 of their last 9 away games in this tournament (3 draws, 4 losses).
- The Belgians have conceded in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Noah Jakkers – Brandon Mechele, Said Romero, Jorne Spilers, Roberto Seis – Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Ludovit Reis – Christos Tzolis, Romeo Vermant, Hugo Vetlesen.
Referee
Srdjan Jovanovic (Serbia)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2023/24 - 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 43%.
Salzburg vs. Club Brugge: Match Prediction
Salzburg's matches in the previous Champions League campaign were noted for their high scoring, averaging 4 goals per game. The team generally aims to play attacking football, and they have managed to do so even on the international stage, scoring in 5 of their last 7 Champions League matches. However, this style has affected their defense, as they have conceded in 11 consecutive matches in this tournament, with at least two goals allowed in 7 of those games.
The Belgians also delivered entertaining football in the 2024/25 Champions League, with both teams scoring in 6 of Club Brugge's last 8 matches in this tournament, and only two games in this period featuring fewer than three goals. The coaching staff remains unchanged, and there have been no major roster changes during the off-season. I believe the club will stick to its style, as suggested by the result of Club Brugge's first match in the new Belgian championship – a 3-3 draw.
My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
