Prediction: RB Salzburg vs Dynamo Kyiv

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS

Red Bull Salzburg have placed themselves in a commanding position in their Champions League playoff tie, taking a 2-0 lead into the second leg at home against Dynamo Kiev. With their sights set on another group-stage appearance, the Austrian champions will look to maintain their advantage and secure progression.

Dynamo Kiev, meanwhile likely don’t plan to go down without a fight. Overturning the deficit is obviously a tall order from their perspective, but they’ll surely give their best.

RB Salzburg

Salzburg’s performance in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Dynamo Kyiv demonstrated their ability to handle the pressure of European competition. Playing on neutral ground in Poland, the Austrian side capitalized on their chances, with Dorgeles Nene and Maurits Kjaergaard making the difference, the latter coolly converting a crucial penalty.

With their lead firmly established, Salzburg now return to their home turf to finish the job and book their place in the group stage. Pep Lijnders, who took over in the summer after a difficult end to the previous campaign, has already shown his impact by steering the team to early success in both domestic and European competitions.

Salzburg’s recent form, including their dominant display in the third-round qualifier against Twente and their domestic victories, suggests they are ready to improve their status both in Austria and on the continental stage. Having had a weekend to rest and prepare, they will be eager to make their return to the Champions League group stage official.

Team News

Despite the absence of Karim Konate, Salzburg remain well-equipped to finish the job. Moussa Yeohas been on scintillating form, contributing to seven goals already this season. Alongside him, Maurits Kjaergaard has been equally influential, with his cool penalty against Dynamo marking his fifth goal in just seven games.

Yeo is expected to retain his place as the central striker, with Serbian forward Petar Ratkov likely to be on the bench. Supporting Yeo in attack, Oscar Gloukh—who recently impressed with a Bundesliga hat-trick against Blau-Weiss Linz—will be a key creative force for Salzburg.

Also, Liverpool’s former academy product Bobby Clark could make an appearance in the squad, adding further depth to an already potent attacking lineup.

Dynamo Kyiv

Dynamo Kiev face an uphill battle in their quest to overturn the two-goal deficit after a frustrating first leg in Lublin. Captain Andriy Yarmolenko struggled in front of goal, and Oleksandr Karavaev’s mistake, pulling down Moussa Yeo for a penalty, only compounded Dynamo’s troubles. Despite these setbacks, Dynamo have shown resilience throughout the qualifying stages, having already dispatched Partizan Belgrade and Rangers.

Domestically, Dynamo Kiev narrowly missed out on the Ukrainian Premier League title last season, finishing just two points behind Shakhtar Donetsk. Nevertheless, they have started the new campaign on a positive note, winning their first two league matches. With their weekend fixture postponed, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi’s side will be well-rested as they head to Austria, determined to mount a comeback.

Given Dynamo’s history of navigating challenging circumstances, particularly amid the ongoing instability in Ukraine, they will not go down without a fight. However, replicating their run to the Champions League play-offs two years ago – where they fell to Benfica – will require a monumental effort to overcome Salzburg and reach the group stage this season.

Team News

Dynamo are expected to stick with the attacking duo of Yarmolenko and promising young forward Vladyslav Vanat, despite their struggles in the first leg. In midfield, the reliable trio of Volodymyr Brazhko, Mykola Shaparenko, and Oleksandr Pikhalyonok should once again feature prominently, aiming to create more opportunities than they managed in Lublin.

At the back, Dynamo’s defense is likely to remain unchanged due to the continued absence of Maksym Dyachuk through injury.

Conclusion

With a commanding two-goal advantage from the first leg, Salzburg are in a strong position to secure their spot in the Champions League group stage. History is on their side, having progressed in 14 of their last 15 European knockout ties when holding such a lead.

The Austrian champions were the more threatening team in the first encounter, and with their dynamic attacking options, they are well-equipped to finish the job on home soil.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS