Plenty of people will be wondering how Red Bull Salzburg earned a shot at FIFA Club World Cup glory but the Austrians will be out to prove a point when they take on Pachuca in their Group H opener.
Salzburg are hardly one of the biggest names in European football but their four-year performance across UEFA competitions has seen them earn a slot alongside giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG and Inter Milan.
Pachuca are taking part as CONCACAF Champions Cup winners and the Mexicans will fancy their chances against the Austrians as they bid to get off to a winning start.
But they aren't in great form domestically, performing poorly in both stages of the Liga MX campaign before bowing out in the play-off quarter-finals to Club America.
Salzburg also headed to America on a domestic downer after losing out on the Austrian title to Sturm Graz for the second season in a row.
They also had a miserable campaign in the UEFA Champions League, finishing third from bottom in the revamped league phase after taking just three points from their eight games.
So both teams will be looking to end disappointing seasons on a high by ruffling a few feathers in the Club World Cup this summer, as well as banking a big cheque.
Betting offer – Up to £50 matched free bet
During the Club World Cup, our partner talkSPORT Bet have a special welcome offer for you, in which they'll match your first bet on the site with free bets in the same amount, up to £50. Keep in mind that the minimum bet size to claim this offer is £20.
So, this offer is only valid for new players that use our link below to create an account at talkSPORT Bet.
18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet up to £50 (min. £20) on any FIFA Club World Cup market (odds 1/1+) by 20:00 on 13/07/2025. Get up to £50 in free bets on selected markets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly
How the bookies view it: Salzburg to call the tune
Despite flopping in the UEFA Champions League this season, Red Bull Salzburg are BoyleSports' 5/4 favourites for their Club World Cup opener. Pachuca are 9/5 outsiders and the draw pays 23/10.
Head to head: First-time foes
These sides have never met before as it's the first time Salzburg have graced the Club World Cup. But Pachuca are old hands in this tournament, having played in four previous editions. They finished in third place on their last Club World Cup outing in 2017.
Players to watch: Nene in the groove
Dorgeles Nene ended the Austrian season in style, with five goals in five games taking his tally for the season to 16. Bigger clubs will be scouting the 22-year-old and he's 2/1 for anytime scorer at BoyleSports, which looks a bit overpriced.
Pachuca have a familiar face leading their line in the shape of former Newcastle and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon. The 35-year-old has 10 goals from 20 appearances this term and his physicality could upset Salzburg. He's 15/8 at BoyleSports for a goal and a whopping 7/1 for an assist with Bet365.
Probable line-ups
Pachuca are set to be without Andres Micolta and Sergio Baretto while Emi Rodriguez is a doubt. Red Bull Salzburg have some injury issues too, with Nicolas Capaldo, Karim Konate, Daouda Guindo and Maurits Kjaergaard set to miss out.
Pachuca: Moreno, Castillo, Pereira, Bauermann, Berlanga, Montiel, Pedraza, Bautista, Idrissa, Rondon, Kennedy.
Red Bull Salzburg: Schlager, Terzic, S Baidoo, Gadou, Trummer, Kawamura, Bidstrup, E Baidoo, Gloukh, Ratkov, Nene.
Anything else catch the eye?
This is a tricky one to call as the Mexican and Austrian leagues are of a similar standard and both teams are coming off the back of disappointing seasons.
But Pachuca's recent form is poor, with just one win in their last five, while Salzburg ended their domestic season with three wins in their last four matches. That makes me think the Austrians could be worth a punt for the win at 5/4.
We should see goals at both ends, with BTTS landing in eight of Salzburg's last nine games. Backing both teams to score here pays just 7/10 at BoyleSports but adding on over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 5/4.
GambleAware