RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 27.06.2025

• Date and Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 20:00 GMT+1
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA

RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid Preview and Team News 

RB Salzburg Team News

Red Bull Salzburg made a strong impression in their first two matches, showing that their intense, high-energy style holds up even against international opposition.

Thomas Letsch’s men come into this game with four points, level with Real Madrid, but trailing on goal difference. Their campaign began with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Pachuca, where their trademark vertical play and quick transitions proved too much for the Mexican side to handle.

Against Al Hilal, Salzburg were also very proactive. Despite the 0-0 result, both teams had chances, but poor finishing and solid goalkeeping kept the scoreline blank. 

Die Highlights zum umkämpften Duell mit Al-Hilal gibt es hier ⤵️

— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) June 23, 2025

Coach Letsch has stayed loyal to his 4-2-2-2 setup, a narrow and aggressive shape that focuses on central overloads. It helps the squad play fast combinations through the middle and release their two strikers quickly. 

But the downside of this tactical system is clear: the lack of width exposes their full-backs. Both Pachuca and Al Hilal took advantage of this by switching play to the wings and isolating Salzburg’s defenders in one-on-one situations. That’s a red flag ahead of Madrid’s wide threats.

Karim Onisiwo is his team’s most consistent performer. His mix of strength and smart positioning causes real problems for defenders. He netted against Pachuca with a classic poacher’s finish, but his hold-up play and link-up with Dorgeles Nene and Oscar Gloukh really drive their squad’s attack. 

Schön, dich wieder auf dem Platz zu sehen, Mau! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c2181TW1xo

— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) June 23, 2025

Salzburg are missing several key players because of injuries. Forward Karim Konaté is out with a torn cruciate ligament. Nicolás Capaldo is sidelined with a broken toe. Moussa Yeo and Takumu Kawamura are both still recovering from knee problems.

RB Salzburg predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-2-2): Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Ramussen, Kratzig; Bidstrup, Diabate; Dorgeles, Gloukh; Onisiwo, Vertessen

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid also sit on four points but lead the group on goal difference. Xabi Alonso’s tenure began with a nervy 1-1 draw against a well-organized Al Hilal side. His men controlled possession but found it difficult to unlock the low block. More worryingly, they looked open in transition, a pattern that continues to follow them.

Alonso’s biggest task is stabilizing the defence, especially during moments of transition.

Alexander-Arnold offers elite ball progression and vision from right-back, but his forward placement often leaves gaps that opponents are quick to exploit. Huijsen, composed on the ball, has struggled to deal with fast-paced attacks when pulled out of position.

⏩ Next match: @FCRBS_en
🗓️ 27/06 | 03:00 CEST
📺 Watch every FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game, FOR FREE, on DAZN!#FIFACWC | #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/dPl3qH6yWE

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 24, 2025

Some things improved in their second event, where they comfortably beat Pachuca 3-1. But that scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story.

Against Pachuca, Madrid were forced into a reactive game early on after Raul Asencio’s red card in the seventh minute. The 3-1 victory was not a demonstration of developing defensive solidity, but rather the brilliance of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. 

At the same time, Madrid’s front five demonstrated fluid movement and sharp execution in the final third. They showed great triangle combinational play that flashes Alonso’s attacking ideas.

📸 CAPTION THIS. pic.twitter.com/IyamMOr2aF

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 24, 2025

Madrid come into this match with several major absentees. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out with ACL injuries. David Alaba and Ferland Mendy are nursing meniscus and muscle issues, respectively. Eduardo Camavinga remains sidelined with a torn adductor tendon. 

Endrick is recovering from a hamstring problem, while Mbappé is only just returning from illness. Jude Bellingham continues to play despite a hurt shoulder and surgery planned after the tournament.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs RB Salzburg (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Garcia, Vinicius

RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 

• Pick: Real Madrid to win
• Odds: 1.26 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: RB Salzburg 1-3 Real Madrid

While a draw would be enough for Real Madrid to finish top of the group, it’s unlikely they’ll approach the game with that mindset. Under Xabi Alonso, the side are built around proactive football, and they won’t sit back and manage the result.

For Salzburg, only a win will do. That forces them to be brave, which could play directly into Madrid’s hands. If the Austrian squad press high and push numbers forward, Real will find space. And with their quality in transition and wide areas, that’s a dangerous gamble.

RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Total Over 3
• Odds: 1.48 (22Bet)

Considering the tactical setup and motivations of both sides, this match promises to be open and high-scoring. Salzburg need to play on the front foot, and their aggressive, vertical style often produces chaotic moments, both in attack and defence.

With Jude Bellingham’s intelligent movement and Vinícius Júnior’s pace, Madrid are more than capable of creating many scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Real are still not fully settled, particularly in transitions, which gives Salzburg a realistic chance to get on the scoresheet.

All signs point toward goals on both ends, and plenty of them.

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