Young Boys — Slovan Bratislava : Match Preview and Prediction for August 28,2025

Young Boys’ Season Overview

Young Boys relinquished their championship title last season, signaling a significant rebuilding phase for ‘the Wasps.’ This extensive transformation is unfolding under the guidance of Giorgio Contini, who is embarking on his first full year at the helm of the Bern-based squad.

Europa League Journey

Indeed, last year saw ‘the Boys’ endure managerial instability, ultimately finishing third. This secured them a spot in the Europa League qualification rounds. As they’ve already progressed to the final qualification stage, the ‘dark-yellows’ are guaranteed European football this autumn.

Domestic League Performance

In the Super League, the capital club has had a mediocre start to the season, recording one win, one loss, and two draws in four matches. A 5-6 goal difference suggests that a somewhat adventurous and aggressive style persists under Contini. However, this start is still an improvement over last season, when the reigning champions found themselves at the bottom of the table for a period (currently within the top 6).

First Leg Result and Team News

In Slovakia, Young Boys secured a 1-0 victory with an early goal from Bedia in the 15th minute. Overall, they skillfully defended their lead, preventing the Slovak champions from creating many significant chances (Bratislava generated only 0.70 xG). Forward Conte, experienced midfielder Fassnacht, and young Rodri Smith from the youth squad will miss the home game due to injuries.

Slovan Bratislava’s European Ambitions

Like their Swiss counterparts, Vladimir Weiss Sr.’s squad has failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive year. It’s worth remembering that both Slovan and Young Boys faced heavy defeats from their opponents in the top 36 group stage last season, emerging as the primary outsiders of the tournament.

Road to Europa League and First Leg Analysis

Currently, a defeat to Kairat (1-0, 0-1, but losing on penalties) relegated the Slovak champions to the Europa League qualifiers. There, in a closely contested home match, Barseghyan and his teammates lost to the Swiss side. Given the first-leg result, a more open game is expected from Bratislava in Bern, on the artificial turf of the Wankdorf Stadium, compared to their home performance.

Domestic Form and Focus

Following that defeat, Slovan played Zemplin in the Slovak championship over the weekend but failed to overcome their opponents away from home, despite Robert Mak, known for his time at Zenit, scoring first in the match. Thus, at the start of the season, two draws and two wins place Slovan as the 5th team in the championship. However, there’s still a long way to go, and the table is tight, while their focus must now be entirely on the return leg in Bern.