Prediction: Struga vs Slovan Bratislava

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: BetUS

Struga will host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadion Biljanini Izvori in Ohrid, on Wednesday night for the second leg of their first-round Champions League qualifying clash, aiming to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

The Sky Blues eventually managed to secure a 4-2 victory in the initial fixture, thanks to two crucial goals in the final five minutes of the 90.

Struga

Struga’s second-ever attempt to qualify for Europe’s premier competition took a disappointing turn after a thrilling first leg encounter with Slovan Bratislava last Wednesday night, leaving them with a two-goal deficit to overturn in their home leg.

Two first-half goals from Vladimir Weiss and Robert Mak put the Slovan ahead, but Besart Ibraimi managed to pull Struga level with goals in the 55th and 74th minutes. Despite taking more shots than their opponents, Struga were unable to find the breakthrough goal to take the lead. Eventually, they succumbed under the home side’s attacks as Juraj Kucka scored twice in the last five minutes of normal time to secure the win for his side.

Struga, who have now failed to win in any of their three previous Champions League qualifying matches, will be hoping they can use the support of the home crowd on Wednesday as they look to get back into the tie. Qatip Osmani’s side will take solace from the fact they were at their best when playing at the Stadion Biljanini Izvori last season, earning 38 of their 64 total points when in front of their own supporters as they went on to secure the Macedonian First League title.

Team News

Struga avoided any injury concerns from the first-leg defeat and a fine performance for large parts of the game, especially the early stages of the second half, could lead to Osmani opting to keep most of the starting XI for the rematch.

Ibraimi is likely to lead the line once again after scoring twice in that game, and he is expected to start alongside strike partner Marjan Radeski, who came off the bench at half-time in the first leg.

Stefan Spirovski could also make his way into the starting team after the midfielder was brought on for Hogan Ukpa at half-time in the reverse fixture.

Slovan Bratislava

Slovan Bratislava have historically struggled in their away fixtures in the Champions League, losing 10 of their 20 games on the road throughout all their qualifying attempts in past seasons.

The Sky Blues do have a good record on their travels in domestic competitions in recent years though, losing just 13 times away from home in the last six seasons in the Slovak Super Liga.

They will be hoping they can hold on to their two-goal lead this time around as they look to progress and go on to achieve historic success through qualification to the Champions League for the first time ever. They will, on the other hand, need to be mindful of the home team’s desire for revenge, and the job can hardly be considered done at this point.

Team News

Slovan are likely to start with the same 4-5-1 system that eventually saw them secure the victory in the first leg, with goal scorers Kucka, Mak, and Weiss all expected to play from the start.

David Strelec failed to get on the scoresheet in the first clash, but the striker is sure to be a threat throughout the second leg, coming off a season where he scored a total of 14 goals across all competitions.

Conclusion

Despite Struga’s commendable performance in the first leg against the favored Slovan Bratislava, the superior quality of the Slovakian side ultimately prevailed.

A similar outcome is likely to come in the second leg, with the Slovakian side securing another victory and advancing to the next round.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: BetUS