Salzburg will be desperate to halt their downward slide when they welcome Portuguese giants Porto to the Red Bull Arena on Thursday in the opening round of the 2025-26 Europa League league phase.
The Austrian outfit have dropped into this competition after their Champions League campaign ended prematurely with defeat to Club Brugge in the third qualifying round. Meanwhile, the Dragons secured a direct route into the Europa after finishing third in the Primeira Liga last term.
Read our Salzburg vs Porto predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Europa League tips.
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Salzburg vs Porto prediction: Porto to continue perfect run?
Key stats
- Salzburg are winless in their last three fixtures, losing the last two.
- The Red Bulls have both scored and conceded in five of their previous seven games in all competitions.
- Porto have claimed five victories in six encounters against Austrian opponents on the European stage.
Correct score prediction: Salzburg 1-2 Porto
While Salzburg previously showcased their pedigree in this competition, most notably in 2018 when they won all six of their group stage fixtures, their present state tells a different story. With back-to-back defeats and form that appears fragile, the Red Bulls resemble a shadow of their former selves. Facing a Porto side currently brimming with confidence only heightens the scale of the challenge, so an away victory looks the most likely outcome, although the hosts may still find a way onto the scoresheet.
Pre-match analysis: Visitors tipped as favourites by bookmakers
- HOME: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 1/1 (2.00) – 50.0%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
These figures underline Porto’s status as favourites, with the visitors handed a 50.0% chance of victory. Salzburg’s 29.4% probability highlights their underdog standing.
Our other tip for both teams to score is priced at 13/20 (1.65), equating to a 60.6% likelihood. Considering Salzburg’s recent tendency to both register and concede goals, this market appears particularly attractive.
Most recent H2H: First ever meeting
This encounter marks the first competitive meeting between Salzburg and Porto, though both clubs are familiar with opponents from the other’s country.
Salzburg preview: Soumaila Diabate available despite domestic dismissal
Salzburg enter the Europa League for the 12th time, having dropped down following elimination by Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers. The Red Bulls’s weekend brought further disappointment as a 2-0 home defeat to Sturm Graz extended their winless run to three matches.
Die Roten Bullen are hampered by injuries, with Karim Konate, John Mellberg, and Takumu Kawamura all sidelined due to knee problems. Nevertheless, Soumaila Diabate, who received a red card in league action last time out, remains eligible to feature, as his suspension does not extend to continental competition.
Predicted XI: Schlager (GK), Lainer, Schuster, Rasmussen, Kratzig, Bidstrup, Diabate, Kitano, Kjaergaard, Ratkov & Vertessen
- 20/09/25: Salzburg 0-2 Sturm Graz (L)
- 13/09/25: Wolfsberger AC 3-1 Salzburg (L)
- 30/08/25: Salzburg 2-2 BW Linz (D)
- 27/08/25: Dornbirn 1-3 Salzburg (W)
- 23/08/25: Salzburg 3-0 LASK (W)
Porto preview: Stephen Eustaquio suspended
Porto arrive in superb form, boasting six victories from six outings this campaign. Their most recent result was an emphatic 3-0 win at Rio Ave, ensuring Francesco Farioli’s side retained top spot in Portugal’s top division.
The Dragons will be without Stephen Eustaquio, who serves a suspension carried over from last season’s Europa League play-off against Roma. In addition, Alberto Costa, Martim Fernandes, and Luuk de Jong remain unavailable through injury.
Predicted XI: Costa (GK), Rosario, Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura, Froholdt, Varela, Veiga, Pepe, Samu & Sainz
- 19/09/25: Rio Ave 0-3 FC Porto (W)
- 13/09/25: FC Porto 1-0 Nacional (W)
- 30/08/25: Sporting CP 1-2 FC Porto (W)
- 24/08/25: FC Porto 4-0 Casa Pia (W)
- 18/08/25: Gil Vicente 0-2 FC Porto (W)
Player to watch: Samu Aghehowa
Samu Aghehowa was one of Porto’s standout performers in last season’s Europa League, netting six times across nine appearances. The forward has already struck four goals this season, including one at the weekend, and will be eager to extend his tally on Thursday.