Salzburg – Real Sociedad : Preview & Prediction
The start of the 2023-24 campaign has been excellent for Salzburg, reigning Austrian champions and leaders of their domestic league after nine matches (G7, E1, P1), having won 4-0 in the last matchday. In their debut in the current edition of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), Gerhard Struber’s side pulled off a surprise by taking all three points away to Benfica, a result that has significantly boosted their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition for the second time in the club’s history.
The visit of Real Sociedad offers Salzburg the opportunity to string together wins in the UCL for the first time since October 2021, the first and only edition to date in which the Austrian side progressed beyond the group stage. Their head-to-head record against Spanish clubs is not exactly encouraging heading into Tuesday’s clash at the Red Bull Arena; Salzburg have won just five of their 20 meetings (G5, E3, P12) with LaLiga (LL) sides, although four of those five victories came at home.
Real did not fare so well in their group stage opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Inter at the Reale Arena, but the Blue and Whites head into their first European outing of the season in high spirits after stringing together three victories with a brilliant 3-0 derby win over Athletic Club. Imanol Alguacil’s solid squad has lost just one of its eight league matches (G4, E3, P1) and is in fifth place, just one point outside the UCL zone, although having played a game more than Atletico Madrid (4th).
Real, who have not lost at home since February 5, will need to find a regular line of results away from home. The Txuri-urdin side, who lost all three away matches in their last UCL group stage (2013-14), have won just one of their three outings this season (G1, E1, P1).
Players to watch: Young Ivorian striker Karim Konaté was on target in Salzburg’s last game and has seven goals in his 12 competitive games this term. Four of his five most recent goals have come after the break. In contrast, Takefusa Kubo has scored four of his five goals in first halves for Real this season (eight games).
Key stat: Real Sociedad’s last six matches have averaged 4.0 goals per game. Fiesta.
Salzburg – Real Sociedad : Betting Tips
Salzburg – Win Odds: 2.25
