Slovan Bratislava vs. Zrinjski Mostar Tips and Odds – 22/07/2025

• Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
• Venue: Stadion Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Fixture: Slovan Bratislava vs Zrinjski Mostar

The Stage Is Set!

Champions League qualification fever returns to Bratislava as the Slovakian titans, Slovan Bratislava, prepare to welcome Bosnia’s pride, Zrinjski Mostar, for what promises to be a pulsating first-leg contest. Having clinched their seventh consecutive domestic title this spring and regularly striding into Champions League qualifiers, Slovan arrive with big expectations and a point to prove. Last season saw them reach the Champions League main round but unfortunately, they failed to win any of their eight games, leaving them hungry for redemption this time around.

Zrinjski Mostar, on the other side, come into this clash with buoyed confidence. Victors of their ninth Bosnian championship, they’ve just swept aside Virtus in their opening qualification round, notching home and away wins and delivering plenty of attacking intent. It’s a marked step up in opponent now, however—the test of Bratislava on home soil isn’t for the faint-hearted, but Zrinjski’s big-game players like Nemanja Bilbija will relish the opportunity.

Recent Form Guide

Slovan Bratislava’s recent European outings haven’t been the most reassuring: their last Champions League campaign ended with six consecutive defeats, having conceded far more than they scored. Domestically, though, they dominated, and friendlies prior to this new campaign indicated they’re capable of bouncing back, including narrow wins over Wisla Krakow. Statistically, Slovan have averaged 1.60 goals per match in their last five games, winning three and losing two, suggesting a degree of volatility but genuine goal threat.

For Zrinjski Mostar, form has been more consistent. Their league charge closed with a clutch of victories including a 2-1 win over Virtus and a 3-0 thumping of Igman Konjic. Defensively, they’ve coped well, while offensively they average over two goals per game. Importantly, they managed to keep clean sheets in several of their final league fixtures, although occasionally lapsing at the back against tougher opponents.

Team News, Injuries & Suspensions

Slovan Bratislava can count on a largely fit squad, but influential midfielder Juraj Kucka continues to be sidelined following knee surgery. The incoming summer signings—Kelvin Ofori, Sandro Cruz, Peter Pokorny, Alasana Yirajang, and Mykola Kukharevych—are all pushing for significant debuts. The centre-back pairing of Guram Kashia and Kenan Bajric is expected to anchor the defence, while striker David Strelec is likely to lead the line after his impressive 25-goal haul last season.

Zrinjski Mostar do have a few notable absentees. Defender Toni Sunjic is still unavailable due to injury, while Marijan Cavar in midfield is also likely ruled out. Whether Mateo Susic and Tomislav Kis start or arrive from the bench remains to be seen, but the big focus is on Nemanja Bilbija—three goals already in qualification—who should spearhead the Bosnian attack. Slobodan Jakovljević and Milan Šikanjić are additional doubts for the visitors.

Key Players

• Slovan Bratislava:
  • David Strelec (striker): prolific goal scorer and leader up front.
  • Guram Kashia (defender): experienced and dependable at the back.
  • Vladimir Weiss (attacking midfielder): creative spark, always a threat making late runs.
• Zrinjski Mostar:
  • Nemanja Bilbija (forward): form striker and talisman.
  • Mateo Susic (defender): could return and add much-needed stability.
  • Tomislav Kis (midfield/forward): versatile and able to conjure something special when needed.

Prediction

Expect a fiercely competitive encounter. While Slovan Bratislava have the edge in terms of recent European pedigree and home advantage, Zrinjski Mostar’s form and Bilbija’s sharpness mean this is no gimme. Still, the Slovaks’ attacking weapons and stronger squad depth could produce a narrow win—think something like 2-1—with Zrinjski finding the net but perhaps coming up just short on their travels.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are illustrative and may change—always confirm with the bookmaker before placing your bets.