A crucial European encounter takes center stage as Club World Cup Group H concludes on Thursday. RB Salzburg and Real Madrid face off, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout round.
Both sides currently sit on four points, two clear of third-placed Al-Hilal. Real Madrid holds the top spot based on tiebreakers. The most straightforward path sees both European teams advancing. However, the tight standings mean if either Salzburg or Real Madrid loses, their progression will depend on eliminated side Pachuca defeating Al-Hilal.
Real Madrid are considered the favorites to win the match and the group under Xabi Alonso`s new management. His initial matches have featured notable moments: a slow start with a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, followed by a 3-1 victory over Pachuca despite Raul Asencio`s early seventh-minute red card. Asencio is suspended for Thursday`s game, while Kylian Mbappe`s recovery from gastroenteritis remains a key talking point.
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Thursday, June 26
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN
- Odds: RB Salzburg +750; Draw +490; Real Madrid -370
Group H Qualification Scenarios
Real Madrid qualifies for the round of 16 with:
- A win or draw against RB Salzburg.
- A loss to RB Salzburg AND Al-Hilal draws or loses to Pachuca.
RB Salzburg qualifies for the round of 16 with:
- A win or draw against Real Madrid.
- A loss to Real Madrid AND Al-Hilal loses to Pachuca.
Al-Hilal qualifies for the round of 16 with:
- A win against Pachuca AND Real Madrid loses to RB Salzburg OR RB Salzburg loses to Real Madrid.
Pachuca is eliminated from the competition.
Predicted Starting Lineups
RB Salzburg: Christian Zawieschitzky, Stefan Lainer, Joane Gadou, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Kratzig, Mads Bidstrup, Soumaila Diabate, Nene Dorgeles, Oscar Gloukh, Edmund Baidoo, Karim Onisiwo
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Player to Watch
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid: Despite ongoing questions about the attack, Xabi Alonso has consistently featured Jude Bellingham prominently in midfield. Bellingham is expected to play a vital role on Thursday as Real Madrid aims to secure qualification. He recently scored his first goal under Alonso in the 3-1 win over Pachuca, helping solidify the lead after an early red card.
Key Storyline
Will Kylian Mbappe or Rodrygo Play?: Alonso might provide an update on Mbappe`s availability late Wednesday. Mbappe`s status has been uncertain since his hospitalization last week. Although he didn`t travel for the Pachuca match, reports indicate he has rejoined training. How likely he is to feature on Thursday remains unclear.
Regardless of Mbappe`s status, the composition of Alonso`s front line for Thursday`s match and the near future is uncertain. Rodrygo played his first minutes for Real Madrid since the Copa del Rey final in the recent draw with Al-Hilal, suggesting his place. However, his absence from the starting lineup against Pachuca raised further questions. Whether he returns to start against Salzburg, or if academy player Gonzalo Garcia will get another opportunity, is a significant question ahead of kickoff.
Prediction
Regardless of the specific lineup, Real Madrid possesses enough quality to secure a relatively straightforward win against Salzburg, especially after a pragmatic and effective performance with 10 men against Pachuca. It`s early days for Alonso`s team, and they aren`t expected to be at their peak yet, but their talented squad should be sufficient for a comfortable victory.
Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 2
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