The Daily Star Ireland
RB Salzburg, long considered the dominant force in Austrian football, endured a disappointing campaign last season. For the first time in years, they were dethroned, finishing second in the Bundesliga table just two points behind champions Sturm Graz. That narrow miss has carried over into the new season, where the Bulls have shown inconsistency. Costly dropped points against LASK Linz (2-2) and Wolfsberger (3-1) highlighted their struggles, leaving them under pressure to prove they remain a top contender.
This weekend, Salzburg will clash with Sturm Graz in a highly anticipated domestic encounter. But before that, they must first navigate a tricky European fixture that could define their momentum.
Porto Flying High at Home and Abroad
In contrast, FC Porto have started their campaign in superb fashion. After finishing third in Portugal last season—well behind Lisbon giants Benfica and Sporting—the Dragons entered the new term determined to reassert themselves. Their response has been emphatic: five consecutive victories to open the league, including a 2-1 win over reigning champions Sporting and a convincing result against Nacional.
Sérgio Conceição’s men travel to Austria full of confidence, with their domestic form making them early favorites to challenge for top honors in Europe as well. Before their trip to Salzburg, Porto will first face Rio Ave as they look to extend their flawless start to the Primeira Liga.
Squad News and Key Players
Salzburg enter this clash with a number of injury concerns. Defender Mellberg, midfielders Kawamura and Sulzbacher, and strikers Konaté and Onisiwo are all sidelined. Even so, coach Gerhard Struber can rely on key contributors. French defender Gadou, once a PSG youth product, is expected to marshal the backline. In attack, Belgian forward Yorbe Vertesen (4 league goals) and Serbian striker Petar Ratkov (5 goals, 1 assist) have been bright sparks and will be crucial if Salzburg are to upset the odds.
For Porto, defensive depth is a concern. Regular starter Alberto Costa and youngster Martim Fernandes are unavailable, while Nehuén Pérez, who picked up an injury against Nacional, is also doubtful. Summer signing Luuk de Jong remains a question mark after being forced to withdraw recently. Despite this, Porto’s attack still looks dangerous. Spaniards Samu Aghehowa (3 goals) and Borja Sainz (2 goals, 1 assist), alongside Brazilians Pepê and William (two goals each), give the Dragons multiple avenues to threaten Salzburg’s defense.
Prediction
Salzburg’s home record has been worrying, with four defeats in their last five matches in European competition at the Red Bull Arena. That fragility will be tested by a Porto side currently in top form and riding a wave of victories both domestically and continentally.
Unless Salzburg can rediscover the ruthless efficiency that once defined them, Porto’s balance and firepower could see them edge this contest.
Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1 – 2 FC Porto
