The Matchday 1 clash in the Europa League 2025/26 group stage between Salzburg (Austria) and Porto (Portugal) will take place on September 25 at the Red Bull Arena. Salzburg vs. Porto: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
The Austrians entered the Europa League following their exit from the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Last season, the team participated in Europe's most prestigious tournament, finishing 34th in the main stage. Salzburg hasn't been in the Europa League since the 2022/23 season when they fell just short of the round of 16. Their best achievement in this competition is reaching the semi-finals. Notably, Salzburg has failed to win 5 of their last 6 matches in the Europa League (1 draw, 4 losses).
- Salzburg conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 Europa League games.
- At home in this tournament, the team has won 8 of their last 10 matches (1 draw, 1 loss).
- The club scored at least one goal in 9 of their last 10 home games in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-5-1)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Yannick Schuster, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Kretzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjaergaard, Petar Ratkov, Sumaila Diabate, Moussa Yeo – Yorbe Vertessen.
Midfielder Clement Bischof is suspended. Forward Karim Konate and midfielder Yannick Schuster are sidelined with injuries.
Porto
Third place in the national championship secured Porto's spot in the Europa League. The club also participated in this tournament last season. They finished 18th in the main stage and were knocked out by Roma in the first playoff round. It's worth noting that Porto won the Europa League in the 2010/11 season but hasn't progressed past the quarter-finals since.
- Porto has failed to win 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
- The team scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 games in this tournament.
- The club conceded at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 away games in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Porto (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa – Francisco Moura, Jan Bednarek, Pablo Rosario, Jakub Kiwior – Victor Froholt, Alan Varela, Gabri Veiga – Pepe, Samu Agehova, Borja Sainz.
Midfielder Steven Eustáquio is suspended. Forward Luuk de Jong and defender Nehuen Perez are injured.
Referee
Vasilis Fotias (Greece)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 50%.
Salzburg vs. Porto: Match Prediction
The Austrians had a productive run in the Champions League qualifiers. Thomas Letsch's side conceded in all four matches, failing to score in only one. They have shown similar results in the Europa League, failing to keep a clean sheet in 7 of their last 8 matches in this tournament. However, they have scored in 14 of their last 17 Europa League games.
The Portuguese side prefers an attacking style and remains true to it even when playing away. The team has scored in 9 consecutive away games in the Europa League, netting at least twice in five of those matches. However, their defense lacks reliability, as Porto has conceded in 17 of their last 18 away games in the Europa League.
I expect both teams to deliver a high-scoring game. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
