As the Champions League qualifying rounds progress, the second leg of the third qualifying round promises to be a thrilling encounter between FC Twente and RB Salzburg.
Scheduled for August 13th at De Grolsch Veste, this match is crucial for both teams as they vie for a coveted spot in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
With a first leg ending in a 2-1 defeat for FC Twente, the stakes are higher than ever.
Match Preview
FC Twente heads into this fixture with renewed confidence after securing a 2-1 victory against NEC in their opening Eredivisie match.
The team showed resilience by coming from behind to clinch the win, demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure.
Despite their solid performance in the domestic league, they face a challenging task against RB Salzburg, having already lost the first leg of this tie.
Historically, FC Twente has been a tough opponent at home, remaining undefeated in their last six Champions League matches at De Grolsch Veste, though they have only managed one victory in those games.
RB Salzburg, reigning champions of the Austrian Bundesliga, arrive in the Netherlands with an impressive record, having won all four of their competitive matches this season, including a decisive 5-1 victory over Blau-Weiß Linz.
Their ability to bounce back after conceding early in matches showcases their attacking prowess and mental strength.
With a solid lead from the first leg, Salzburg will seek to maintain their advantage while aiming for a stronger performance away from home, where they have struggled in recent Champions League outings.
Head to Head
In their recent encounter, RB Salzburg emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, establishing a favorable position ahead of the second leg.
Historically, Salzburg has had the upper hand in European competitions, but their recent form away from home in the Champions League has been less than stellar, with only one win from their last six matches.
Meanwhile, FC Twente, despite their struggles, has shown they can be competitive on their home turf, making this clash an intriguing one.
Team News
FC Twente may have to contend with the absence of midfielder Michal Sadílek, who is nursing a leg injury.
However, the rest of the squad appears to be fit and ready for this crucial encounter.
On the opposite side, RB Salzburg faces a significant injury crisis, with several key players sidelined, including Hendry Blank, Karim Konaté, Daouda Guindo, Takumu Kawamura, Alexander Schlager, Fernando, and Leandro Morgalla.
This could impact their tactical flexibility and overall performance as they aim to secure their spot in the group stage.
Prediction
Given FC Twente’s strong home record in the Champions League and RB Salzburg’s struggles away from home, we predict a closely contested match that could see the hosts claim a narrow victory.
With both teams likely to score, the match could extend into extra time, and potentially penalties, as FC Twente seeks to overturn the first-leg deficit.
- Score Prediction: FC Twente 2-1 RB Salzburg (AET)
Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score: With both sides showcasing attacking talent, betting on both teams to score is a compelling option.
FC Twente to Win: Given their strong home form in recent Champions League matches, a bet on FC Twente to win might offer good value, especially considering the injury concerns for Salzburg.
Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams needing to score, betting on over 2.5 goals could be a wise choice, as they aim to secure a place in the group stage.
Extra Time or Penalties: Given the tight nature of the tie, betting on the match to go into extra time could provide a worthwhile return.
