The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League between Salzburg (Austria) and Atletico Madrid (Spain) will take place on January 29 at the Salzburg Stadium. Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Salzburg
Thomas Lech's debut as head coach of the Austrian club did not go as planned, with the team suffering a 1-5 defeat to Real Madrid. This was Salzburg's fifth heavy defeat in the current Champions League campaign, resulting in the team losing all chances of advancing to the playoffs. Even if they win the final round, they will not rise above 28th place.
Midfielders Maurits Kjaergaard and Samson Tijani, defender Daouda Guindo, forwards Karim Onisiwo and Karim Konate will miss the game due to injuries.
- In their last eight Champions League matches, the club has managed only one victory (1 draw and 6 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Salzburg's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in 12 of Salzburg's last 16 home matches in this European competition.
Atletico Madrid
The Spaniards secured an important home victory over Bayer Leverkusen (2-1) in the previous round, scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute. As a result, the club climbed to fifth place and has already secured a place in the knockout playoffs. To qualify directly for the Champions League Round of 16, Atletico needs to win the upcoming match. Notably, Diego Simeone's side is on a four-match winning streak in the group stage, with an impressive goal difference of 13:3.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios will miss the match due to suspension, while defender Javi Galan is out with an injury.
- Both teams have scored in regular time in 8 of Atletico's last 10 games in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored at the end of 90 minutes in Atletico's last 10 Champions League matches.
- In 7 of Atletico's last 10 matches in this tournament, at least two goals have been scored in the first half.
Predicted lineups for Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid
Salzburg (4-3-3): Janis Blaswich – Aleksa Terzic, Samson Baidoo, Amar Dedic, Hendry Blank – Nicolas Capaldo, Oscar Gloukh, Mads Bidstrup – Nene Dorgeles, Adam Daghim, Moussa Kounfolo Yeo.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak – Clement Lenglet, Jose Maria Gimenez, Axel Witsel, Marcos Llorente – Samuel Lino, Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, Conor Gallagher – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
- Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
- Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
- Average yellow cards per match – 5.8;
- Red cards shown – 0;
- Average fouls per match – 23;
- Penalties – 40%.
Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid: Match Prediction
The Austrians can now focus on their domestic league, which resumes on February 7. The team's first official match this year ended in a heavy defeat to Real Madrid. It is likely that the Austrians, lacking tournament motivation, will again suffer a heavy defeat against another Madrid club. Especially since Salzburg has lost all three home matches in the group stage of the Champions League without scoring, with a margin of two or more goals.
For Atletico, it is crucial to qualify directly for the Round of 16. To achieve this, the Spaniards need to win in Austria. Considering Salzburg's unimpressive form even in their domestic league and their lack of match fitness after the winter break, I believe the visitors will secure a convincing victory. Moreover, in their last two away matches in the Champions League, Atletico thrashed Sparta Prague (6-0) and defeated the French champion PSG (2-1).
My prediction: Atletico Madrid with a handicap (-1.5)
