Red Bull Salzburg before the start of the Club World Cup was the only European team that was not considered one of the favourites in its group in the fight for the play-offs. Such a status was given to Real Madrid and Al-Hilal here. Despite this, the Austrian team showed themselves quite well in the opening matches of the tournament. At least, the final game day of the group stage Salzburg will meet on the second place, on points having equality with the leading Real Madrid. Two points behind the Europeans is Al-Hilal, who have already drawn with each of them. In order to guarantee themselves a playoff spot and first place, the Bulls need to beat Real Madrid. If the Austrians draw or lose, they will enter the 1/8 finals from the second place, unless their match with Pachuca is won by Al-Hilal. Also, Red Bull will be satisfied with an effective draw, in which they will score at least two goals. In some cases, the Bulls can also settle for a 1-1 draw, but it could come down to Fair Play or a draw. Real Madrid are ahead of Salzburg on goal difference, although the "creamy" were considered the clear favourite of the group, which should have secured the right to enter the 1/8 finals after two rounds. To qualify for the play-offs, the Royal Club only need to win or draw with their opponents. With a 0-0 draw or defeat, the fate of Real Madrid will be decided on the basis of the result of the match Pachuca - Al-Hilal. Bookmakers have identified the Spanish club as the favourite for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 1.30 on its victory.

The Madrid club has undergone a difficult adaptation in the United States. The first match of the tournament was very difficult for the "cream" and ended in a draw. With Pachuca, the royal club played much better. Almost the whole match Real Madrid spent almost the entire match in ten men, but managed to beat the Mexicans with a score of 3:1. The very fact that the record holder in the World Cup is in danger of relegation before the third round certainly motivates Real Madrid's star players. Salzburg played well against Al-Hilal and Pachuca, but with the Blues they can only count on scoring goals. The match will be played in an open style and will be in favour of the favourite.