The second leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Club Brugge (Belgium) and Salzburg (Austria) will take place on August 12 at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The first match ended 1-0 in favor of Club Brugge. Club Brugge vs. Salzburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Club Brugge
Nicky Hayen's side secured a 1-0 victory over the Austrians in the first match. It's worth noting that prior to this game, the team had conceded in five consecutive Champions League matches. The Belgians have shown uncompromising results in this tournament, with 3 wins and 3 losses in their last 6 games. To advance to the next round, Club Brugge needs at least a draw in the return leg. If they lose by a minimal margin, extra time will be required.
- The team has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 9 of their last 12 Champions League matches.
- At home in this tournament, the Belgians have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 5 games (3 wins, 1 draw).
- Club Brugge has conceded in 6 of their last 8 home games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer, Jorne Spileers, Joaquin Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Ludovit Reis – Christos Tzolis, Romeo Vermant, Hugo Vetlesen.
Salzburg
The defeat in the last match was the team's fifth in their last seven Champions League games (1 win, 1 draw). The Austrians have conceded in 12 consecutive matches in this tournament. Salzburg failed to score for the first time in 5 Champions League games. To advance to the playoffs, Thomas Lech's team needs to win by at least two goals. In the previous Champions League campaign, the club achieved only two victories, but both were with the necessary goal difference.
- Both teams scored in 4 of Salzburg's last 5 Champions League matches.
- Away from home, Salzburg has not won in 13 of their last 17 Champions League games (5 draws, 8 losses).
- The team has scored in 5 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Kwaku Gadu, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Kratzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjaergaard, Sota Kitano, Sumaila Diabate – Nene Dorgeles, Yorbe Vertessen.
Midfielder Sota Kitano is injured.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 17 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 59%.
Match Prediction: Club Brugge vs. Salzburg
In the return match, the Belgians need to maintain their advantage, and playing at home should be a significant help. In the previous Champions League campaign, the team avoided defeat in 4 of 6 home matches (3 wins, 1 draw). The losses came against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, both of which reached the quarter-finals.
Salzburg needs to win, but they rarely achieve this in away Champions League matches. The club has only 4 wins in their last 17 away games in the Champions League (5 draws, 8 losses). Additionally, in the previous tournament, the Austrians played seven away matches, conceding a total of 18 goals.
The visitors will be forced to attack, which, given their defensive issues, will provide opportunities for the resilient Belgians to score. My prediction: Club Brugge will not lose and Total Over 1.5
