Salzburg vs Dyn. Kyiv Prediction: 27/8/2024

Since Red Bull took ownership of Salzburg in 2005, the club has amassed an impressive 14 national titles. This success has become routine for the team, which has shifted its focus to the Champions League in recent years. Last season, however, Red Bull Salzburg fell short, finishing just two points behind Sturm Graz. They began their current Champions League campaign in the third round against Dutch side Twente FC, securing a 2-1 victory in the first leg before a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Netherlands sealed their qualification. Currently leading the Austrian Bundesliga with a perfect 9 points from 9, Salzburg’s recent wins include a crucial 1-0 triumph over title rivals LASK and a 2-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv on neutral ground in Poland.

Dynamo Kyiv, facing elimination after a first-leg loss, has had a strong run in the Champions League qualifiers so far. They cruised through the second round with convincing wins over Partizan (6-2, 3-0) and then overcame Glasgow Rangers, aided by a red card to Jefté in the 50th minute of the second leg, to progress. However, their performance in the first leg against Salzburg left much to be desired, with a lack of fight and defensive lapses that allowed RBS to capitalize, notably with Dorgeles scoring in the 29th minute and another goal from a penalty in the 51st minute.

Red Bull Salzburg has a history of developing top talent, with players like Naby Keita, Dayot Upamecano, Marcel Sabitzer, Erling Haaland, and Dominik Szoboszlai all beginning their careers there. However, the club often struggles to retain its best players, as seen this season with the departures of Serbian international defender Pavlovic to AC Milan and Luka Susic to Real Sociedad. Despite these losses, Salzburg strengthened their squad by bringing in goalkeeper Blaswich from RB Leipzig. Although they are missing star striker Konaté, who scored 20 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, as well as several other players due to injuries, the team has continued to perform well.

On the other side, Dynamo Kyiv will be without Shepeliev and likely defender Tymchyk, who returned from injury in the first leg but is not yet fully fit. Center-back Diachyk is also doubtful due to a shoulder injury, and substitute striker Ponomarenko is expected to miss out as well. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian international Vanat leads the attack, although he was largely ineffective in the first leg and was replaced by Nazar Voloshyn, who contributed 7 goals and 6 assists last season. Veteran captain A.Yarmolenko, still a key player at 34, rounds out the offensive line. Kyiv’s attack remains potent, scoring 12 goals in 5 games so far this season, averaging 3 goals per match.

 

Prediction

Dynamo Kyiv’s last five away matches in the Champions League have produced 22 goals, with both teams scoring in each game, suggesting plenty of excitement. Similarly, both teams have found the net in 13 consecutive Salzburg fixtures at this level. Given these trends, another high-scoring game is likely.

Prediction: Salzburg 3 : 1 Dynamo Kyiv