Brugge – RB Salzburg

At least three goals will be scored in the return match of the Austro-Belgian pairing.

Before the start of the Austrian-Belgian confrontation in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, bookmakers leaned towards the eventual success of Brugge. However on the eve of the first match, which took place a week ago on Austrian soil, the odds were either slightly in favour of Salzburg or indicated equality between the teams. The meeting at the Red Bull Arena saw the guests having territorial advantage in the first half. Brugge created a couple of goal-scoring chances and threatened the opponent's goal more often, but the teams went into half-time with the score at 0:0. In the second half, Salzburg had the initiative more, but the only goal of the match was scored by young Belgian striker Romeo Vermaerke. After losing the home match, Salzburg is forced to formulate a plan for the away game in such a way as to be sharper and more effective than their opponent. As for what this could mean at their own goal – football fans need no reminding. Bookmakers have made the home side the favourites for the return leg, offering odds of 1.62 for their victory. Besides the first encounter with the Austrian club, Brugge has played three matches in the national arena this season (at the time of preparing this forecast): the Belgian Super Cup and two league matches. All three ended with the same score of 2:1. One match was lost, and two were won. This fact emphasises Brugge's high motivation for a productive game in every match, regardless of the tournament. They understand in coach Nicky Hayen's staff that they will not achieve the desired result against Salzburg solely through defence at home. Salzburg has already passed one round of qualification in the current Champions League season. Notably, before heading to the Jan Breydel Stadium, the Austrian team achieved a victorious result in their confrontation with the Norwegian Brann thanks to an away thrashing win of 4:1. They drew the return match at their own arena. Salzburg have not conceded in five official matches this season except from an amateur club in the Austrian Cup, and they failed to score against Brugge a week ago. Most factors before the return match between the opponents suggest that no fewer than three goals will be scored.