Real Madrid closes the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup facing an opponent who, although a priori seemed the weakest of the group, has managed to earn respect based on results: the Red Bull Salzburg. The Austrian team reaches the undefeated duel and depending on itself to get into the eighths, a situation that seemed unlikely weeks ago.
And it is that the recent context of Salzburg did not invite optimism. In the last Champions League they ended up in 34 of 36 teams, with seven losses in eight games and a 5-1 fitted in the Bernabéu. In addition, they have lost dominance in their domestic league, where the Sturm Graz has taken away the last two editions after ten years of hegemony.
But football, as always, saves margin for surprises.
THE NEW SALZBURG: Youth, Low and Revelations
The Red Bull -owned club has managed to reinvent itself in a short time. After the European varapalos and the loss of referents such as striker Konaté (seriously injured) and goalkeeper Schlager, has thrown winter signings and youth bets. Thus they have reached the United States with a very renewed team, which only repeats with three starters of the January match against Madrid.
They highlight the additions of Lainer (ex-Mönchengladbach), Krätzig (assigned by Bayern), and Rasmussen, Danish central with international experience. But the focus is in Christian Zawieschitzky, the goalkeeper of only 18 years, promoted from the youth after Blaswich’s departure to Leipzig. His performance has been outstanding, and has become one of the revelations of the tournament.
The Salzburg also maintains its quarry and export policy: only six Austrians in the template, average age of 23 years and an endless list of talents sold in recent years: Haaland, Szoboszlai, Sesko, Adeyemi, Pavlovic … A profitable model that also seeks competitive results.
Madrid, between doubts and green sprouts
Opposite will be a Real Madrid with a minimum margin of error. Although the tie serves to classify, the objective is more ambitious: convincing and leading the group, thus avoiding a complicated crossing in eighths. After a dubitative debut against Al Hilal and a suffering victory against Pachuca (playing 83 minutes with one less), Xabi Alonso’s team has not yet reached its best version.
The statistics of the last game were disturbing: 25 shots received, 10 from within the area and 10 Courtois stops, which revived his role as Salvador. Despite the casualties, the team is expected to go more with the recovery of key players.
Today will be the turn for Rüdiger, which already played minutes after overcoming a meniscus injury. The great news is the emergence of Dean Huijsen, the young central who has been the most participatory player in Madrid in this tournament. Owner of the ball, with clean output and an improper personality of his age, Huijsen has earned ownership.
Arda Güler and the unknown Rodrygo
Another focus is on the attack. Rodrygo, far from his best version, was a substitute against Pachuca and did not even warm up. Instead shined Arda Güler, author of a goal and more influential in construction. In addition, Gonzalo has convinced as a reference striker, waiting for Mbappé, already recovered from his gastroenteritis, he can return to the crosses.
The stage is clear: Madrid is worth the draw, but it is urgent to improve. Not only to ensure first position, but also to reinforce the sensations and demonstrate that his candidacy for the title is not only a matter of shield.
Reserved forecast, but with white favoritism
On paper, Real Madrid is still far superior to Salzburg, who has lost his scorer and presents an alignment full of inexperience. But if something has demonstrated the Austrian team is the ability to adapt, resilience and emerging talent.
And in short tournaments like this, that may be enough to give the bell. Even so, if Xabi Alonso’s team recovers its identity and maintains defensive balance, it should be imposed with authority.
Today, rather than winning, Madrid must convince. And Salzburg, once again, will seek to challenge forecasts.
