RB Salzburg vs Al Hilal Preview
Al Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg face off in Group H on June 22nd at 11:00 pm in what could prove to be the decider in their hunt for knockout stage qualification. Both teams put on excellent performances in their opening games.
The Group has been blown wide open following Real Madrid’s draw against the Saudi side. Can Al Hilal build on that result with a win, or will Salzburg make it two in two at Audi Field?
RB Salzburg vs Al Hilal Predictions
Score prediction: RB Salzburg 1-2 Al Hilal
One of our soccer predictions this week is for Al Hilal to claim an important three points against RB Salzburg in Group H. The Saudis proved doubters wrong when they picked up a point against Real Madrid in their opening game. They can build on that with a victory here. That draw was new head coach Simone Inzaghi’s first game in charge since leaving Inter Milan. They look a force to be reckoned with under the Italians’ leadership. Salzburg will be tough opponents, but we are backing Al Hilal to come out with the victory.
Al Hilal boast a wealth of top talent. That has helped them become the biggest team in Saudi Arabia, winning a record 21 league titles. The Saudi giants have built a squad filled with international pedigree. Their lineup features the likes of Aleksandar Mitrović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Malcom, and Ruben Neves. These players bring Premier League and Champions League experience as well as international pedigree. In tournaments where margins are fine and space is limited, having players who can unlock defences with a single touch is invaluable.
Their tactical approach is fairly patient. Al Hilal are comfortable maintaining possession, recycling the ball, and waiting for the right opening. They use Neves and Milinković-Savić to control the tempo from deep. Their wide players create space for Mitrović to operate centrally. The Serbian striker’s physical dominance and sharp movement inside the box will be a major problem for Salzburg’s back line. They will struggle when crosses come in from wide areas.
That said, Salzburg will not make things easy. The Austrian champions rank among Europe’s most tactically disciplined sides outside the traditional “big five” leagues. They build their game around a high-pressure, high-tempo identity, drilling players to hunt in packs, win the ball high up the pitch, and transition immediately into attack.
Salzburg will look to make this uncomfortable for Al Hilal by denying them time in midfield and forcing hurried decisions at the back.
Salzburg’s youthful energy can be a real weapon. Their system is designed to exploit teams who lack mobility or get drawn out of shape. They boast some excellent young attackers who are dangerous in transition. Oscar Gloukh and Dorgeles Nene can punish Al Hilal on counterattacks with their excellent feet and physical attributes. If they can win the ball in advanced positions, they could hurt Al Hilal before defenders have time to reset. Their midfielders push high to suffocate opponents, and Salzburg often overload central areas to pull defenders out of position.
However, where Salzburg sometimes fall short is in their defensive decision-making under pressure. Elite attackers who thrive in tight spaces can punish mistakes ruthlessly. If Salzburg commit too many players forward or if Al Hilal break their press, the Saudi side has the tools to strike with devastating effect.”Malcom’s acceleration and ability to run at defenders in transition are key weapons, and Milinković-Savić’s late surges into the box provide a secondary threat behind Mitrović.
We expect Salzburg to have strong spells in the match and even create more chances early on. But as the game wears on, Al Hilal’s individual quality, physical dominance, and ability to convert half-chances should tip the balance. Mitrović will probably find a moment to bully his way into a goal, and with the midfield trio pulling strings, we predict a 2-1 win for the Saudi champions. Salzburg will test them, but Al Hilal’s class should shine through.
Players to Watch
- Aleksandar Mitrović (Striker, Al Hilal): Aleksandar Mitrović is a throwback striker in that his physical attributes are key to his game. The Serbian forward powers through defences with strength and balance instead of using quick feet and pace. He is a threat in the air, and his hold-up play is crucial in bringing the likes of Marcos Leonardo and Malcom into play. The former Fulham man netted 19 times in the Saudi Pro League last season, and he is a nightmare for defenders. Expect him to be heavily involved in both build-up and the box.
- Oscar Gloukh (Attacking Midfielder, RB Salzburg): Oscar Gloukh is one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football. The Israeli playmaker operates primarily as a No. 10 and is the creative heartbeat of this Salzburg side. Gloukh thrives in tight spaces, using his low centre of gravity, quick turns, and sharp vision to unlock defences. His movement between the lines will be vital against Al Hilal’s compact midfield unit. While Salzburg will look to press high and force transitions, Gloukh can pick the right pass in the final third that can turn those moments into goals.
RB Salzburg vs Al Hilal Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result – Al Hilal to win: The Saudi side is the favourite for this game. A bet on Al Hilal is worth 5/6. They proved in their game against Madrid that they are real contenders in this tournament, and Salzburg is a step down in competition. Salzburg will not roll over, and the game should be organised, but Al Hilal have more talent and should leave Audi Field with a win. A bet on RB Salzburg is worth 14/5 if you think they can cause an upset.
- Over/Under – Under 3.5 goals: Anyone betting on the over/under should take the under here. Both teams are strong in defence, and this will be a chess match. Madrid struggled to break down Al Hilal at the back, and Salzburg are well drilled in defence due to their frequent Champions League meetings with European giants. A bet on under 3.5 goals is worth 4/7 with our online sportsbook.
- Goalscorers – Marcos Leonardo to score: Marcos Leonardo enjoyed an excellent first season in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 17 goals in 24 games. He will probably lineup behind Mitrović in the 10-role, and his ability to play off the Serbian is crucial to Al Hilal’s attack. Leonardo to score anytime is worth 5/4 for anyone betting on football.
- Outrights – Al Hilal to reach the quarterfinals: Al Hilal showed they were no pushovers in their draw with Real Madrid. A win here would put them in a prime position to advance to the knockout stages. From there, their likely opponents are either Manchester City or Juventus. Both teams underperformed in their respective league campaigns this season. There is potential for Mitrović and co to pull off another shock. A bet on Al Hilal to reach the quarterfinals is worth 4/1 for anyone betting on the Club World Cup.
RB Salzburg vs Al Hilal Head-To-Head and Key Stats
Salzburg played their Group H opener against Pachuca on June 18th. Salzburg claimed top spot in the group with a 2-1 win at the TQL Stadium. Pachuca started brightly, with Salomon Rondon twice denied by Salzburg’s 18-year-old debutant keeper Christian Zawieschitzky. Salzburg grew into the game and took the lead before the break when Oscar Gloukh curled a superb strike into the corner after a dazzling solo run.
Shortly after halftime, Zawieschitzky again denied Rondon in a one-on-one, before the match was halted for 90 minutes due to severe weather. On the restart, Pachuca equalised through a brilliant Bryan Gonzalez free kick. However, Salzburg regained control when substitute Karim Onisiwo headed home a Mads Bidstrup cross with 15 minutes left. Pachuca pressed late but couldn’t find another breakthrough, allowing Salzburg to capitalise on Real Madrid’s earlier draw and go top of the group.
Al Hilal played on the same day and produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far. Los Blancos took the lead in the 34th minute when Gonzalo Garcia calmly finished off a slick passing move on the right flank. Despite missing star forward Kylian Mbappe through illness, Madrid showed glimpses of quality. However, they struggled to break down a resilient Al Hilal defence.
Al Hilal responded well. Ruben Neves converted a penalty just before halftime to level the score after a period of growing pressure. The Saudi side grew in confidence, creating several chances and looking more dangerous as the game wore on. Yassine Bouno saved a late penalty for Real, capping off an impressive defensive performance for his side.
