Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Simply looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure with another statement, Slovan Bratislava will travel to Mostar when they meet Zrinjski for their second-leg showdown on Tuesday night.
Zrinjski
Starting with the hosts, completely blown away when they travelled to Slovakia last week as they eventually slumped to a nightmare 4-0 drumming, Zrinjski have watched their qualifying dreams go up in smoke. Now seeking what would be an iconic Champions League comeback on Tuesday night, Mario Ivanovic’s side look set for what will be another stern examination here. Signing off the 2024/25 campaign with an action-packed 3-2 loss against GOSK Gabela on May 30th, the Nobles will also be concerned by a downbeat European record on home soil. Despite landing a 2-1 victory against Sanmarinese outfit Virtus earlier in the month, Zrinjski have won just a pair of their nine historic Champions League appearances in Mostar.
Zrinjski Team News
Both missing out in Slovakia last week and still dealing with respective injury issues, Zrinjski will once again be without the duo of Toni Sunjic and midfielder Marijan Cavar on Tuesday night.
Notching three goals in his two qualifying showdowns against Virtus earlier in the month, Bosnian international Nemanja Bilbija will shoulder plenty of Zrinjski’s goalscoring threat. Completing a permanent switch from APOEL ahead of the 2025 campaign, Mateo Susic will start at right-back.
Slovan Bratislava
As for the visitors, putting in what was a dominant first-leg performance last week as they cruised their way to that 4-0 romp, Slovan Bratislava will simply be seeking a repeat performance here. Hoping to lay down another qualifying marker, Vladimir Weiss’ camp are regarded as one of the leading contenders to book another full Champions League ticket this summer. Making real history last season as they cruised their way to a seventh consecutive domestic crown, Tuesday’s guests will also be excited by a rampant record against Zrinjski. Including a 1-0 victory when they travelled to Mostar for a qualifying showdown back in July 2023, they are unbeaten in each of their last four meetings (three wins, one draw).
Slovan Bratislava Team News
While Sharani Zuberu might have limped off last week after picking up a first-half knock, the 25-year-old has been given the green light to feature here. Opening his Champions League qualifying account in Bratislava, attacking talisman David Strelec will lead the line here.
Handed a full domestic rest over the weekend, Georgia international Guram Kashia should be handed a full recall and could partner Kenan Bajric at the heart of Weiss’ defence on Tuesday night. Completing a summer switch ahead of the 2025 campaign, ex-Real Sociedad youngster Peter Pokorny will start in the middle of the park.
Zrinjski vs Slovan Bratislava Key Factors to Consider
- When Zrinjski and Slovan Bratislava met for their first-leg showdown last week, Tuesday’s guests collected a routine 4-0 victory on home soil.
- Slovan are unbeaten in their previous four meetings against the Nobles (three wins, one draw).
- Zrinjski have won just a pair of their nine Champions League qualifying matchups in Mostar.
- Continuing on from last season, four of Zrinjski last six competitive appearances have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- All of Slovan’s previous six away fixtures have also finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Storming their way to that sensational 4-0 romp last week, Slovan Bratislava will simply be looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure with another statement of intent. Sitting pretty when they travel to Mostar on Tuesday night, Weiss’ camp will also be excited by what has become a dominant record against Zrinjski. Unbeaten in all of their previous four meetings, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable qualifying contest here. With those four consecutive showdowns producing 12 goals at both ends of the pitch, chances could come with some frequency.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
