Celje vs Slovan Bratislava prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 26, 2026
In the Champions League qualifying final on August 26, 2026, the second leg between Celje and Slovan Bratislava will be played.
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Celje returned to the top spot after a one-year break. This is their third championship title, all won in the past six years. In the new season, the team started with a couple of draws and only then defeated both Olimpija and Nafta 1903. In parallel, they struggled through the qualifiers, barely passing Egnatia on penalties after two draws. Against Ararat-Armenia, they even lost 1-2 away, but then scored two unanswered goals at home to progress further.
The team from Bratislava secured their eighth consecutive championship title in the spring. With their new head coach, Yaya Touré, they started with dominant, clean-sheet victories. Only against Kosice did they concede, but still managed to win. In the Champions League, they beat Iberia 1999 away 2-0, allowing the Georgians to hold the return match to a draw. Against Mjällby, they won both matches: 2-1 in Sweden and 2-0 at home.
In Slovakia, the hosts opened the scoring rather quickly. However, they could not build on their lead and even conceded an equalizer. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Previous matches: Celje vs Slovan Bratislava
In 2024, the clubs faced off in qualification. Back then, the match in Slovenia ended in a draw, and then the Slovaks secured a convincing home victory.
This time, the current hosts are seen as favorites. However, it seems the visitors are capable of avoiding defeat (odds – 1.60).
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava: Key Statistics and Trends
- Celje have won only one qualifying match
- The club averages 2.5 goals scored and 0.94 conceded per game
- Slovan Bratislava have won three of their last five qualification matches
- The team averages 1.94 goals scored and 1.16 conceded per game
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava: Probable Starting Lineups
Celje plays in a 1-3-1-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Leban - Avdili, Tutishkin, Hrka, Shirvis - Zabukovnik, Papa Daniel - Kvesic, Seslar, Ivanshek - Kuchis
Slovan Bratislava plays in a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Takacs - Sandru Krush, Markovic, Bayrich, Blackman - Mustafic, Pokorny, Kristian Martinez - Kamara, Barseghyan, Cherepkai
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Champions League qualification standings
