In a UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round second leg that has little left to be decided, Celje will host Lugano at Stadion Z’dežele in Slovenia. The tie is all but over after Celje delivered a stunning 5-0 victory in the first leg in Switzerland. With a five-goal advantage, Celje’s progression to the play-off round is a virtual certainty, while Lugano faces a nearly impossible task to salvage their European campaign.
Celje comes into this match on the back of an incredible run of form, having won their last three matches and scoring an average of 2.11 goals per game. The 5-0 away win against Lugano was a masterclass in attacking football, with the Slovenian side showcasing their offensive capabilities and defensive solidity. Under the management of Damir Krznar, Celje will be looking to put on another strong performance for their home fans, building on their momentum for the upcoming domestic season.
Lugano is in a state of disarray after the humiliating defeat in the first leg. The Swiss team had been struggling for form before the match, and the 5-0 loss only compounded their problems. Their hopes of advancing in the competition are now slim to none. While they did manage a recent 3-1 victory against Basel, it will take an unprecedented performance to overturn the five-goal deficit. Coach Mattia Croci-Torti faces the difficult task of motivating his squad for a match that is, for all intents and purposes, a mere formality.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Celje’s tactical approach will likely be to control the game, dominate possession, and avoid any unnecessary risks. They will aim to see out the tie without expending too much energy. The team’s key players will be focused on creating chances and securing a comfortable victory.
Lugano will have to throw caution to the wind and adopt a highly aggressive, all-out attacking style of play. They will need to take every opportunity that comes their way and hope for a miracle. Their best chance of scoring will come from capitalizing on any defensive lapses from Celje.
Match Prediction
Given the insurmountable five-goal lead from the first leg, there is no real doubt about the outcome of the tie. Celje is expected to win this match as well, or at the very least secure a comfortable draw. Lugano’s morale is low, and they are unlikely to have the firepower to make any significant impact.
Predicted Score: Celje 3-1 Lugano (Celje to advance 8-1 on aggregate)
How to Watch Celje vs Lugano Live Stream
The second leg of this Europa Conference League qualifier is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, with a kick-off at 2:00 PM ET. The match will be broadcast on various platforms.
CountryLive Stream & TV ChannelUnited StatesParamount+United Kingdomdiscovery+, TNT SportsCanadaDAZN CanadaSloveniaPro PlusSwitzerlandBlue Sport, RSI La 2 HD
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
