Slovan Bratislava take on the visitors Zrinjski in the second leg of UEFA Champions League qualification quarterfinals. First leg result: 1-0. The match will be played on Tuesday, August 1st at Tehelné pole (Bratislava).
Slovan Bratislava started back in mid-July. The Sky Blues, which not everyone remembers, possess an international trophy - in 1969, they won the Cup Winners' Cup. They haven't always managed to secure the top spot since the separation from the Czech Republic, but since 2019, they have won the gold from the capital five times in a row. However, the club haven't been as successful on the international stage. Even in this cycle, there have been some difficulties: they were held to a draw at home by Swift Hesperange. Fortunately, in Luxembourg, the hosts conceded two penalties, both of which Weiss converted. Then came the journey to Bosnia, with Šarani scoring the sole winning goal.
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Zrinjski remains the strongest club in the country. In 2022, the Noblemen managed to reclaim the championship title (after a four-year break), marking the 7th title in their history. Moreover, they retained the championship, combined with victory in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup. This allowed them to start again in the Champions League qualifiers, but it was a tense affair. They seemingly secured a win against Urartu in Armenia, with Senič scoring the only goal in the 89th minute. However, a week later, at home, after opening the score, they conceded a brace by Grigoryan. Even in extra time, after scoring first, they conceded an equalizer. Only in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout did they manage to eliminate the Caucasus guests. They lost at home to the Slovaks by a narrow margin, and they must play for a victory in Bratislava.
This is the 3rd instance of their encounters. In 2009, in the Champions League qualifiers, both sides secured home victories, but in Bratislava, it was a 4-0 win. A year ago, they had a duel in the Conference League, and after exchanging 1-0 victories on their home turfs, they each scored one goal in extra time. It was only at the 7th penalty kick in the shootout that Slovan finally edged out the opponent. The hosts are considered clear favorites at home. Their primary focus is not to concede or lose, so betting on under 2.5 total goals seems reasonable.
Prediction for the match: Under 2.5 scored goals.
