This evening, Belgian giants Club Brugge start their battle for a place in the 2025-26 Champions League.
Nicky Hayen’s side play Red Bull Salzburg in the Third Round of qualifiers, a tricky-looking two-legged tie.
Club Brugge are looking to join fellow Jupiler Pro League outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in the League Phase after the Brussels team’s sensational victory in the 2024-25 Championship Round.
So, read on for a full sports betting preview for tonight’s enticing first leg in Austria, complete with tips for your midweek football bets.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Club Brugge Preview
While the pre-match favourites, Champions League regulars Club Brugge will arrive in Salzburg as a wounded animal.
Hayen’s men suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Mechelen last weekend, a result that the squad need to try and put out of their minds before kick-off this evening.
However, Salzburg did not really enjoy their weekend adventure either. Despite having 13 shots on target, the Red Bull team were held to a 2-2 draw away at Ried on Matchday 1 of the Austrian Bundesliga season.
Salzburg may very well be in a period of transition, especially after the departure of key attacker Oscar Gloukh, who has joined Ajax. Although, they did ease past Brann in the previous round of qualifiers, winning 5-2 on aggregate.
Nevertheless, Club Brugge must still look to emulate their impressive away European victories from last season, namely the 3-1 win at Atalanta back in February.
With experienced heads like Hans Vanaken and young stars such as Christos Tzolis, Hayen’s side certainly have the quality to put this tie to bed in Austria.
But in the Champions League, strange things can happen…
Red Bull Salzburg vs Club Brugge Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Red Bull Salzburg are slight underdogs, even with home advantage, at odds of 2.61 to complete a first-leg victory. A win for Club Brugge in Austria is priced at 2.35, while the draw is 3.41.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Club Brugge Betting Tips
Christos Tzolis to score anytime @ 2.98
Tzolis was on target in the 2-1 defeat at Mechelen and also scored in the 2-1 Belgian Super Cup win over Union Saint-Gilloise. The fact he may very well be on penalty duty only makes his odds stand out more.
Over 2.5 goals in the match @ 1.71
Three of Salzburg’s last four matches have contained over 2.5 goals, while the previous three games featuring Club Brugge have all seen over 2.5 goals scored. So you can see why we are tipping this selection!
Club Brugge to win AND over 2.5 goals in the match @ 3.55
And if the above tip appeals to you but you want to increase your odds, this could be the way to go. Salzburg lost seven of their eight matches in last year’s League Phase, which suggests that maybe Champions League football is a level above them.
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