RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid picks from SBR's Gary Pearson for Thursday's Group H finale. Real Madrid only needs a draw to secure top spot in the group.
FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid prediction: Real Madrid -1.5 (-125 via bet365)
Over/Under prediction: Under 3.5 goals (-115 via DraftKings)
Best player prop pick: Jude Bellingham anytime goal (+190 via DraftKings)
Best bet: Real Madrid -1.5 (-125 via bet365)
"After a sluggish start against Al Hilal to open their Club World Cup, Real Madrid were at their effervescent best against Pachuca despite having to play a man down for most of the match.
Winning a match while shorthanded is about as challenging as solving a Rubik's Cube in 83 minutes, the duration Real Madrid battled the Mexican side with 10 men. The oppressive humidity in Charlotte, N.C., compounded matters for Alonso's men.
Those towering impediments, however, barely slowed the Galacticos, who still managed 51% possession, at times playing keep-away like a run-of-the-mill training drill.
While confidence is never an issue, they will enter Thursday's match with even more self-belief, particularly after overcoming such adversity in Alonso's second match at the helm.
RB Salzburg, a perennial contender in the Austrian Bundesliga, played well in their first two matches of the tournament but are facing a Real Madrid side gaining momentum at the opportune moment.
If the game script goes as I envision, RB Salzburg will be chasing the match and forced to open up. That will be fatal, with Real Madrid punishing them with the final dagger, winning by at least two."
RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid odds:
Can RB Salzburg keep this close or will Real Madrid cruise to victory?
FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid prediction: Real Madrid -1.5 (-125 via bet365)
Over/Under prediction: Under 3.5 goals (-115 via DraftKings)
Best player prop pick: Jude Bellingham anytime goal (+190 via DraftKings)
Best bet: Real Madrid -1.5 (-125 via bet365)
"After a sluggish start against Al Hilal to open their Club World Cup, Real Madrid were at their effervescent best against Pachuca despite having to play a man down for most of the match.
Winning a match while shorthanded is about as challenging as solving a Rubik's Cube in 83 minutes, the duration Real Madrid battled the Mexican side with 10 men. The oppressive humidity in Charlotte, N.C., compounded matters for Alonso's men.
Those towering impediments, however, barely slowed the Galacticos, who still managed 51% possession, at times playing keep-away like a run-of-the-mill training drill.
While confidence is never an issue, they will enter Thursday's match with even more self-belief, particularly after overcoming such adversity in Alonso's second match at the helm.
RB Salzburg, a perennial contender in the Austrian Bundesliga, played well in their first two matches of the tournament but are facing a Real Madrid side gaining momentum at the opportune moment.
If the game script goes as I envision, RB Salzburg will be chasing the match and forced to open up. That will be fatal, with Real Madrid punishing them with the final dagger, winning by at least two."
RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid odds:
Can RB Salzburg keep this close or will Real Madrid cruise to victory?