Photo byPeter GlaseronUnsplash

Sparta Prague will host Red Bull Salzburg as both teams play their first game of the new Champions League format on Wednesday. Both teams did not play last weekend due to floods wreaking havoc across Europe, leading to the postponement of numerous games.

Prague will welcome the champion league to the Czech capital after failing to qualify for the top-tier competition since 2005.

Sparta Prague vs. RB Salzburg

• Sparta Prague -0.5 (+125) vs. RB Salzburg +0.5 (+175)
• Sparta Prague (+140) vs. RB Salzburg (+175)
• Over 2.5 Goals (-165) vs. Under 2.5 Goals (+125)

Sparta Prague vs. RB Salzburg Match Details

• Fixture: Sparta Prague vs RB Salzburg
• Date and Time: 18th September, 2025, 12:45 PM EST
• Location: Epet Arena, Prague, Czechia

Key Stats

Sparta Prague

Sparta Prague is yet to lose in their league, winning six of their last seven games in the Czech league. The host team has scored 16 goals, and conceded six goals, and will look to start their European campaign on a solid footing. The last game the Maroons lost was in March, when they got beat 4-0 by Viktoria Plzen. However, the host team showed great character, beating Malmo, 4-0 in the playoff to qualify for the new format Champions League competition.

The top-ranked team in the top-tier League in the Czech will be without Jakub Pesek, Imanol Garcia, and Roman Mokrovics due to injuries.

Red Bull Salzburg

RB Salzburg doesn’t have a good track record in the Champions League, reaching the knockouts only once in 2022, where they got demolished 7-1 in the second match against Bayern Munich. The Austrian team will look to start their campaign strongly against a team, which is not expected to make much noise in the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

Salzburg will be without some of their players, Karim Konate, Daouda Guindo, and Maurits Kjaergaard. During the transfer season, Salzburg held onto one of their key attacking midfielders, Dorgeles Nene who might make a difference in the match. The midfielder has so far scored four goals in the season and will be looking to get more goals in the first match of the Champions League.

Prediction

The two teams last met in 1997 when RB Salzburg was still a young team before the takeover of Red Bull, and Sparta won 3-0. This matchup will be different as RB Salzburg is a much-improved side with the experience of playing the Champions League over the last few seasons. Sparta Prague will lean on their fans to provide a buzzing atmosphere and an unbeaten record gets positive results in the matchup. Meanwhile, Salzburg has a core of young players with the ability to give the home team trouble.

Final Pick

Over 2.5, -165

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.

Article originally written by John Muthui