Sabasports Match Preview
Club World Cup: FC Salzburg vs Al Hilal
Kickoff Time: 2025-06-23 06:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/SAM NAVARRO
In the first round of the group stage, FC Salzburg defeated the Mexican powerhouse Pachuca 2-1, securing a perfect start to their group campaign. Notably, Salzburg’s young star Oscar Gloch put on an impressive performance in his debut match. He played for 79 minutes, scoring one goal, completing three successful dribbles, taking three shots with two on target, and also winning six ground duels. Additionally, he made three interceptions and one tackle. After the game, Gloch was awarded the man-of-the-match honors. At just 21 years old, Gloch has been one of the few highlights for Salzburg this season. Tactically, Gloch shoulders much of the responsibility for the team’s offensive organization. This season in the Champions League, he has created 23 chances, which is more than double that of the second-highest creator on the team.
In the first round of the group stage, Al Hilal drew 1-1 with Real Madrid, putting forth a highly impressive performance. Al Hilal signed former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi before the Club World Cup began, and it seems the arrival of this Italian coach has transformed the Saudi Arabian club. Notably, Inzaghi is not unfamiliar with Al Hilal; he has some familiar faces from his time at Lazio, such as Milinkovic Savic, as well as players like Kalidou Koulibaly with whom he previously had dealings in Serie A. This familiarity has helped him quickly establish control over the dressing room and implement his tactical plans. From the opening match, it’s clear that Inzaghi has significantly improved Al Hilal’s defensive capabilities, allowing them to hold their own against Real Madrid despite their lower valuation.
After their encounter with Real Madrid, Al Hilal has demonstrated their strength and reached peak form. Inzaghi’s coaching has shown immediate results, and the strengths of players like Renan Lodi, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves have been maximized. Taking all these factors into account, we can lean towards backing Al Hilal, who have seen significant improvement in tactics and skill, to secure all three points in this match.
FC Salzburg’s Last 5 Games: WWWLW
25-06-19 Pachunca 1-2 FC Salzburg
25-05-24 FC Salzburg 4-2 Rapid Wien
25-05-18 BW Linz 1-2 FC Salzburg
25-05-10 Sturm Graz 4-2 FC Salzburg
25-05-04 FC Salzburg 2-0 Austria Wien
Al Hilal’s Last 5 Games: DWDWW
25-06-19 Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal
25-05-27 Al Hilal 2-0 Al Qadsiah
25-05-22 Al Wehda 1–1 Al Hilal
25-05-16 Al Fateh 3-4 Al Hilal
25-05-13 Al Hilal 4-0 Al Orobah
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Al Hilal to win