Match Overview and First Leg Recap

The return leg of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 qualification play-off between Swiss side Young Boys and Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava is scheduled for August 28 at the “Stade de Suisse” in Bern. Young Boys currently hold a narrow advantage, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first encounter. This article provides an in-depth preview, along with a prediction, odds analysis, and key statistics for the Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava showdown.

Young Boys: Team Analysis

Swiss Giants Aim for Group Stage

The Swiss champions took a significant step towards advancing to the main stage of the Europa League. In a tightly contested match held in Slovakia, the team managed to score an early goal, which ultimately proved to be the decisive one. Prior to this victory, Young Boys had been on a four-match winless streak in this European competition, recording one draw and three defeats. Notably, the club last participated in the autumn phase of this tournament during the 2020/21 season. A draw in the upcoming second leg would be sufficient for the hosts to progress.

Key Statistics for Young Boys

• Fewer than four goals were scored in regular time in 5 out of the club’s last 6 Europa League matches.
• Young Boys have not scored more than one goal in their last five outings in this tournament.
• The team has maintained an uncompromising streak of 12 matches in this European competition, featuring 7 wins and 5 losses (no draws).

Predicted Lineup for Young Boys (5-3-2)*

Slovan Bratislava: Team Analysis

Overcoming the First Leg Deficit

Vladimir Weiss’s squad failed to capitalize on their home advantage, suffering a 0-1 defeat in the initial fixture. To reach the Europa League group stage, the Slovakian club must now secure a victory by at least a two-goal margin. Should Slovan Bratislava win by a single goal, extra time will be played. It is worth noting that in their last 8 Europa League matches, the Slovaks have managed only one win in regular time (alongside 4 draws and 3 defeats).

Slovan Bratislava’s European Record

• A maximum of three goals were scored in regular time in 6 out of Slovan’s last 8 matches in this tournament.
• Both teams scored in regular time in 5 out of the Bratislava side’s last 6 matches in this European competition.
• The Slovaks have failed to win in regular time in 8 out of their last 9 away matches in the Europa League (3 draws and 5 losses).

Predicted Lineup for Slovan Bratislava (5-4-1)*

Match Official: Rade Obrenović

Referee Profile and Statistics

Rade Obrenović (Slovenia) will officiate the match.

International Matches (2024/2025 – 2025/26) – 12;

Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 62;

Average Yellow Cards per Match – 5.2;

Red Cards Shown – 1;

Average Fouls per Match – 23;

Penalties Awarded – 17%.

Match Prediction and Expert Betting Tip

First Leg Analysis and Expectations

In the first leg, the opponents did not create many clear-cut chances, as indicated by an xG (expected goals) metric of 0.70:0.72 in favor of the Swiss side. It was Young Boys who ultimately proved more clinical, scoring the lone goal of the match. It is highly probable that the return leg will also feature low scoring, as both teams are acutely aware that they are just one step away from the Europa League group stage, and a single mistake could be decisive.

Goal-Scoring Trends for Both Teams

Young Boys have not been particularly prolific, failing to score more than one goal in their last five matches in this European competition. Furthermore, three goals or fewer were seen in 12 of the club’s last 14 home games in the Europa League. Slovan Bratislava, on the other hand, have not scored two or more goals in 5 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament, and three goals or fewer were recorded in 6 of their last 8 Europa League fixtures.

Final Prediction

My prediction for this match is “Total Goals Under 3” with odds of 1.70.

Author: Олександр Олексенко

* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.