RB Salzburg Set to Battle Real Madrid: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups

RB Salzburg and Real Madrid are preparing for a crucial showdown in their final Group H encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup, with first place in the group hanging in the balance.

Following a sluggish beginning under Xabi Alonso's guidance, Real Madrid bounced back with an impressive 3–1 triumph against Pachuca. The Madrid side demonstrated resilience by playing with a numerical disadvantage for more than 80 minutes yet still managed to secure a convincing victory in Charlotte.

On the other hand, Salzburg experienced disappointment in their previous outing against Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal. The Austrian club registered 13 attempts on goal against Bono but failed to break the deadlock in what concluded as a scoreless stalemate. They will be determined to deliver a more potent offensive display in Philadelphia, particularly against a Real Madrid squad that previously dominated them in Champions League action this past January.

Both teams enter this Lincoln Financial Field encounter with identical four-point tallies. Should either club claim victory, they will automatically secure the Group H summit. However, a loss would place the defeated side at risk of elimination from the competition if Al Hilal manages to collect three points in their match against Pachuca.

Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this pivotal Group H encounter at the Club World Cup.

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RB Salzburg Team News

Salzburg encountered another injury setback prior to their stalemate with Al Hilal on Sunday. Takumu Kawamura picked up a knee problem during practice and is anticipated to be sidelined for the rest of the Club World Cup campaign.

The midfielder becomes the latest addition to an injury list that already includes Alexander Schlager, Moussa Yeo, Nicolás Capaldo and Karim Konaté. The latter suffered an ACL rupture in November and continues his rehabilitation process, though Konaté remains unavailable for selection at this time.

Following their inability to score against Al Hilal, the onus will fall on Karim Onisiwo and Edmund Baidoo to deliver improved attacking displays if Salzburg hopes to overcome Real Madrid.

RB Salzburg Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

RB Salzburg predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Rasmussen, Krätzig; Nene, Bidstrup, Diabate, Gloukh; Baidoo, Onisiwo

Real Madrid Team News

Kylian Mbappé was absent from Real Madrid's initial two Club World Cup matches due to gastroenteritis. The French forward required brief hospitalization for treatment but has since resumed training activities. Despite his recovery, he was not included in Alonso's squad and is unlikely to return until the knockout rounds.

Raúl Asencio will serve a suspension for this fixture after receiving a red card just seven minutes into Real Madrid's win over Pachuca. The positive development is Antonio Rüdiger's return from injury on Sunday, potentially partnering with Dean Huijsen in defense. Aurélien Tchouaméni represents another defensive option if Alonso chooses to limit Rüdiger's playing time.

Los Blancos continue to be without Endrick, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Salzburg

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Salzburg (4-1-2-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Tchouaméni, Huijsen, F. García; Valverde; Güler, Bellingham; Rodrygo, G. García, Vinícius Júnior

Real Madrid vs. RB Salzburg Score Prediction

When these teams last met, Real Madrid scored five goals in a dominant display. However, without Mbappé spearheading their attack, the Spanish powerhouse may not achieve similar offensive success, particularly playing away from the mystique of the Santiago Bernabéu.

Nevertheless, Los Blancos possess superior quality compared to Salzburg and should find scoring opportunities against a team that has managed only two clean sheets in their previous 11 fixtures. The same applies to Thomas Letsch's squad, who will fancy their chances against Real Madrid's vulnerable defensive unit.

Prediction: RB Salzburg 1–2 Real Madrid