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Celje vs Egnatia: prediction and odds

Europe Champions League · Europe · 28 July 2026
Celje logoCelje
vs
28.07.2026 19:15
Egnatia logoEgnatia

💡 Match preview Celje vs Egnatia

After a chaotic 3-3 draw in Albania, Celje and Egnatia are set for a decisive second leg in the Champions League second qualifying round. The opening match laid bare a shared defensive fragility, but also highlighted the considerable attacking firepower on both sides. Now, the question is which team can learn from their mistakes and secure a spot in the next qualification stage.

Tactical Analysis: Celje – Attack in Abundance, Defence in Shambles

Celje’s first-leg performance was a study in contradictions. They conceded as early as the 7th minute from a corner kick, yet showed the resilience to seize control and build a 3-2 lead by the middle of the second half, thanks to a brace from captain Mario Kvesić and a goal by Armandas Kučys. However, that hard-earned advantage evaporated in the 78th minute when Egnatia levelled the match at 3-3. The root cause was a defence riddled with errors, a pattern that has become a worrying trend. In pre-season friendlies, Celje lost 0-1 to Hajduk and drew 1-1 with Čukarički, while in the opening round of the Slovenian league they squandered a lead against bottom-tier Mura, settling for a 2-2 draw. Over their two official matches this season, they have already conceded five goals, underscoring a systemic defensive malfunction.

This instability is largely a consequence of a summer overhaul. Celje lost key players, including top scorer Nikita Iosifov and defenders Žan Karničnik and Juanjo Nieto. The new arrivals—Veton Tusha, Matič Ivanišek, and others—have yet to prove themselves as adequate replacements, leaving the squad depth thin. Under manager Vítor Campelos, the team must not only show character but, more importantly, eliminate their defensive lapses to justify their favourite status and keep their European dream alive.

Tactical Analysis: Egnatia – A Team of Resilience

Egnatia’s 3-3 draw against Celje was a testament to their refusal to surrender. Trailing twice in the second half, they clawed back on both occasions, with Fernando Medeiros playing a pivotal role—scoring once and providing an assist. The decisive equaliser came from substitute Ibrahim Diabate, a clear signal of the depth in the squad. However, head coach Nevil Dede will be concerned that his side has failed to keep a clean sheet in every match this season, including friendlies—a stretch of four consecutive games without a shutout.

For now, Egnatia’s creative firepower compensates for their defensive vulnerabilities. They remain unbeaten in the current campaign, having brushed aside Petrocub in the first qualifying round with a commanding 7-2 aggregate score. Another notable trait is their composure under pressure: in the first leg against the Moldovans, they played the entire second half with ten men yet still prevailed. That mental fortitude will be crucial as they head to Slovenia for the return leg.

Referee: Joey Kooij (Netherlands)

The Dutch official is a strict disciplinarian who uses yellow cards liberally to control the game. On average, he shows 3.4 yellow cards, 0.22 red cards, and awards 0.29 penalties per match. In European competitions, his numbers climb: 4.3 yellows, 0.1 red, and 0.3 penalties per game, indicating a zero-tolerance approach to rough play.

Prediction and Bet

Main Bet: Egnatia +1.5 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.72 On paper, Celje are the favourites, but the first leg proved that Egnatia can match them step for step. The Albanian side not only secured a draw but also outperformed the Slovenians in key metrics: 45% possession, 13 shots (8 on target) against Celje’s 8 (3), and a near-even corner count (5-6). Although Celje will have home advantage, their European record at home is unimpressive—they have won only four of their last nine international home games, and only one of those victories was by more than a single goal. In contrast, Egnatia are unbeaten in their last three away European matches: a 2-0 win against Dinamo Minsk, a 0-0 draw with fellow Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana, and a 1-1 draw with Petrocub. Given these trends, Dede’s men are likely to resist again. Our pick: Egnatia +1.5 at 1.72.

Goals Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at odds of 1.89 Both sides have systemic defensive issues that are unlikely to be resolved in such a short turnaround. The statistics support another high-scoring, open encounter: in five of Celje’s last matches and four of Egnatia’s most recent games, both teams have found the net. Expect another exchange of goals. Recommendation: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.89.

Match odds Celje vs Egnatia

Result (1X2)

X4.9511.4126.95

Double chance

1X1.1X22.89121.17

Both teams to score

No1.81Yes1.87

Over

21.2431.9543.6857.81.51.152.51.623.52.444.54.45.58.6

Under

23.6231.7541.2151.031.54.452.52.293.51.464.51.155.51.02

Handicap 1

01.1-11.57-22.75-35.7-1.52.05-2.53.34-3.56.45

Handicap 2

05.112.1721.3631.081.51.722.51.243.51.05

Correct score

0:015.50:118.250:2411:07.61:18.51:2212:06.952:18.62:219.253:08.93:111.53:2284:014.754:118.754:2465:0305:138

Predictions for Celje vs Egnatia

BO Babatunde Oladipo Under 2.5odds 2.29 Pending

I believe today's teams will play more cautiously in defense.

SB Sani Balogun Over 3odds 1.95 Pending

I predict both teams will score in the second leg. The first match was a thrilling 3-3 draw, and I expect the attacking intensity to carry over. Both sides have shown they can find the net, so backing goals from both teams is the smart call.

SM Samuel Musa Corners: Under 7.5odds 2.92 Pending

I'm betting under 7.5 corners at odds of 2.92 because the data shows an 80% pass rate for this line. The stats are clear and consistent, so I'm confident this is a strong value play.

TO Titi Ogundipe Corners: Team 1 over 6odds 1.98 Pending

I'm confident that in the match between Celje and Egnatia, the home side will take a high number of corner kicks. Their attacking approach and constant pressure on the opponent's goal should result in plenty of corners.

SI Suleiman Ibe Result: 1odds 1.41 Pending

I'm confident the Slovenian team's high-tempo style at home will overwhelm the Albanian side. Egnatia will try to sit deep and defend compactly, but they won't be able to hold out. I'm backing the home team to break through and secure the win.

TN Titi Nwosu Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.01 Pending

I'm confident this match will see at least 10 total corner kicks, as both teams play aggressively and create set-piece opportunities. I'd be genuinely surprised if either team manages only a single corner—the pace and attacking intensity on display should ensure a steady stream of chances from the flanks. Bottom line: the over on total corners is a strong play here.

DA David Adeyemi To qualify: 2odds 4.35 Pending

I predict that this second leg will see both teams score again. The first match in Albania ended 3-3, revealing clear defensive weaknesses on both sides but also significant attacking firepower. Neither team showed they can keep a clean sheet, so I expect goals at both ends once more. The lesson from the first leg is that defense is vulnerable, so I'm backing both teams to find the net again.

KS Kelechi Salami Double chance: X2odds 2.85 Pending

I'm confident the visitors will surprise here. They won't lose this match — trust me, I'm betting on it.

BE Babatunde Ekwueme Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.31 Pending

I'm betting on over 2.5 goals. The first match between these teams ended 3-3, so I expect another high-scoring game.

TL Tunde Lamido Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.07 Pending

I predict Cele will win. Their track record and current form give them a decisive edge over any opponent. No one else has shown the same level of consistency and tactical superiority.

SW Stella Waziri Team 2 over 1odds 2.90 Pending

I'm confident Egnatia will score against Celje on the road. They'll sit back, play a disciplined second-fiddle role, and hit hard on the counterattack to catch the goalkeeper off guard.

AI Amara Igwe Under 2.5odds 2.29 Pending

I believe this match will go under the total, as both teams will play cautiously.

AF Adaeze Fashola Over 3odds 1.95 Pending

I'm betting on over 2.5 goals in Celje's next match. They've hit that mark in six consecutive games, and I see no reason for that trend to stop.

FO Fatima Ojo Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.85 Pending

I predict Celje will win this match, but they won't keep a clean sheet. The opponent is capable of scoring, so backing both teams to find the net alongside a Celje victory is the smart play.

DO Dele Ojo Under 2.5odds 2.29 Pending

I predict that the total goals in the match between Celje and Egnatia will be under 2.5. Both teams have shown a tendency for low-scoring games recently, with strong defensive organization and a lack of firepower up front.

The stakes are high and both sides will prioritize not conceding, which typically leads to a tight, cautious affair. I see this ending with few goals, likely one or none at all.

NO Nneka Okoro Result: 1odds 1.41 Pending

I’m confident that Tse will deliver an impressive performance. The team’s recent form and tactical sharpness point to a strong showing, and I expect them to dominate the match.

YN Yemi Nwosu Team 2 over 1odds 2.90 Pending

I'm confident Egnatia will score at least one goal in this Champions League clash with Celje. The visitors have shown attacking intent on the road, and Celje's defense isn't airtight enough to keep a clean sheet. Backing Egnatia to get on the scoresheet at odds of 2.90 is a solid value play.

ZS Zainab Sani Double chance: X2odds 2.89 Pending

I predict that Ignalia will put up a fight against Cele and avoid losing this match. My confidence is rooted in Ignalia's recent defensive resilience and tactical discipline, which have proven effective against stronger opponents. They've shown they can absorb pressure and strike on the counter, making a draw or narrow win a realistic outcome here. Cele's inconsistency in finishing chances further tilts this in Ignalia's favor, so I'm betting on them to hold their ground and come away with a result.

TS Titi Suleiman Over 3.5odds 2.41 Pending

I'm predicting over 3.5 goals in the second leg. After six goals in the first match, it's very likely the trend continues. I'm confident we'll see at least four goals this time.

DA Deborah Akintola Both teams to score — Noodds 1.82 Pending

I'm confident neither team will score. That's my prediction.

DA Daniel Adamu Over 2.5odds 1.62 Pending

In the first match, we saw 6 goals—clear evidence of both teams' attacking intent. I'm confident they'll find the net at least three times in this match as well. Expect another high-scoring game.

TN Temitope Nwosu Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.86 Pending

I'm confident both teams will find the net, and the match will end with over 2.5 total goals. To be safe, I'm also backing under 5.5 goals as a hedge.

JA John Adebayo Double chance: X2odds 2.89 Pending

I'm backing Egnatia to avoid defeat here. The hosts are clear favorites, but it can't always go according to script. I see value in betting against the expected outcome.

UM Usman Musa Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.86 Pending

We’re going for the Eurotour — let’s try a reasonably suitable option. I’m confident this trip will come together, as the timing and logistics are aligning well.

GA Grace Anyanwu Double chance: X2odds 2.89 Pending

Tomorrow evening brings another round of European competition. After a 3-3 draw in the first leg, Celje hosts Egnatia. I don't see Celje as clear favorites. I'm going with Egnatia not to lose in regular time (X2). Celje has won only one of their last five matches, and that was a hard-fought 4-3 friendly win against MTK Budapest where they trailed for most of the game. Friendlies don't matter here—this is Champions League qualifying. Egnatia, on the other hand, has three wins and two draws in their last five. Their 3-3 draw at home doesn't mean they are weaker than Celje. I'm confident they can avoid defeat.

CA Chinedu Abubakar Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.86 Pending

I believe Celta has a clear advantage at home against their opponent. Their strong form and familiarity with the pitch give them the edge, and I'm confident they'll secure the win.

SG Segun Garba Under 2.5odds 2.29 Pending

I'm predicting a low-scoring match between Celje and Egnatia. Both teams tend to play cautiously in these kinds of fixtures, and defensive organization usually takes priority over attacking flair. I don't expect either side to take unnecessary risks, so the total goals should stay under 2.5. Trust me, this one will be tight.

WE Wale Ekwueme Corners: Team 2 over 3.5odds 2.15 Pending

I confidently predict that the home team will take at least 4 corners. The reasoning is straightforward: they’re likely trailing and will need to push forward aggressively, which naturally leads to more attacking set pieces and corner opportunities.

OA Olusegun Abubakar Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.05 Pending

I'm confident Khazaeva will win. They'll score at least two or three goals, with the exact score landing at 2-0 or 3-1.

MA Maryam Abdullahi Over 1.5 (2nd half)odds 1.82 Pending

Given the high scoring rate in the first leg, I'm confident this match between Celje and Egnatia in Champions League qualifying will see goals. A goalless draw or a shutout is very unlikely here.

EI Emmanuel Idris Over 1.5 (2nd half)odds 1.82 Pending

I'm confident we'll see at least two goals in the second match after the first one ended 3–3. The first game was wide open, with both teams creating chances and showing little defensive discipline. That trend should carry over, as neither side will want to sit back—they'll push for an early goal, which often leads to more scoring opportunities. Expect the pace to stay high, and with both teams capable of finding the net, backing over 1.5 goals feels like a solid move.

KO Kayode Oladipo Handicap 2 (1.5)odds 1.72 Pending

I'm predicting the second team will win with a handicap of 1.5. My reasoning is straightforward: they have the stronger lineup and recent form, which should be enough to cover this spread.

FE Femi Ekwueme Over 2.5odds 1.62 Pending

I'm confident the return match will see a higher total goals. The dynamics and stakes simply point to more scoring opportunities.

CA Chidinma Afolabi Over 3.5odds 2.44 Pending

The first game was packed with goals, and I'm confident the return match will be just as high-scoring.

FI Folake Igwe Corners: Team 1 under 4.5odds 2.75 Pending

I am confident that the hosts will score early and then stop accumulating corner kicks. Once they take the lead, the game dynamics shift, and they will focus on defending rather than attacking, leading to fewer corners.

AA Aliyu Afolabi Over 2.5odds 1.62 Pending

I believe the total will be surpassed in the return match, even if just barely. Both sides have enough to get the job done.

SO Samuel Oladipo Over 3.5odds 2.44 Pending

I'm confidently backing Over 3.5 goals here. Both teams are playing high-scoring football and consistently finding the net. I expect even more than four goals in this match.

CO Collins Oladipo Handicap 1 (-2)odds 2.75 Pending

I'm confident Celje will score at home. They already put three past their opponent on the road, so there's no reason they can't do the same in front of their own fans. That kind of attacking form travels well, and I expect them to find the net again.

YL Yusuf Lawal Over 3.5odds 2.44 Pending

I am confident that neither opponent plays in a defensive manner. Both teams are inherently attacking, which guarantees an open game.

KA Kayode Adamu Handicap 1 (-2)odds 2.75 Pending

I'm backing Celje to cover the -2 handicap against Egnatia. Celje have a clear quality advantage at home, and Egnatia have struggled in away fixtures. I expect a dominant performance with a win by at least three goals.

SE Suleiman Emenike Double chance: 1Xodds 1.10 Pending

I’m confident that Celina will lose this match. Her recent form has been inconsistent, and she’s struggled against opponents with a similar style to her upcoming rival. The betting odds also reflect a clear disadvantage for her, and I don’t see any strong reason to expect a turnaround here.

DN David Nwosu Corners: Team 2 over 3.5odds 2.15 Pending

I believe they will fall behind early. They'll concede a quick goal and be forced to chase the game.

CE Chibuzo Emenike Team 2 over 1odds 2.95 Pending

I’m confident they’ll score at least one goal in this match. In the first game, they managed to put three past them, so their attack clearly has the edge.

AA Amina Adamu Result: 1odds 1.41 Pending

Ignatius will suffer a very painful injury at the hands of the arrogant Cele. I’m confident about this because his overconfidence will lead him into a reckless confrontation where he underestimates his opponent. Cele’s pride will drive him to deliver a decisive blow, and Ignatius’s lack of caution will make him an easy target. The outcome is clear: a painful wound awaits him.

Match poster

Celje vs Egnatia — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the second leg between Celje and Egnatia taking place?

The match is on 28 July 2026 at 19:15 local time, with Celje hosting Egnatia in the Champions League second qualifying round.

What is the main prediction for the Celje vs Egnatia match?

The main bet is Egnatia +1.5 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.72, as the Albanian side proved they can match Celje and remain unbeaten in recent away European matches.

Which goalkeepers or defenders are missing for Celje due to transfers?

Celje lost key defenders Žan Karničnik and Juanjo Nieto, as well as top scorer Nikita Iosifov, during the summer overhaul, leaving their squad depth thin.

How have both teams performed defensively in recent games?

Both sides show defensive fragility: Celje have conceded five goals in two official matches this season, while Egnatia have failed to keep a clean sheet in any match this season, including friendlies.

What is referee Joey Kooij's disciplinary style?

Dutch official Joey Kooij is strict, averaging 4.3 yellow cards per game in European competitions and showing a zero-tolerance approach to rough play.

Does the betting tip expect goals from both teams?

Yes, the pick Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.89 is recommended because both teams have systemic defensive issues and a history of high-scoring encounters.