Sabasports Match Preview
Europa League: Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava
Kickoff Time: 2025-08-29 02:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa
Young Boys is a traditional powerhouse in the Swiss Super League and participated in last season’s UEFA Champions League group stage, boasting extensive European experience. This season, they started their campaign in the Europa League playoffs. In the first leg, they secured a 1-0 away victory against Slovan Bratislava, taking the initiative in the tie. During the summer transfer window, the team made targeted signings. Although key players such as right-back Zachary Athekame, attacking midfielder Filip Ugrinic, and central striker Cedric Itten have left, the club brought in striker Sergio Cordova, who recorded nine goals and three assists in the Turkish Super Lig last season, versatile midfielder Armin Gigovic from German club Kiel, defensive midfielder Edimilson Fernandes from Ligue 1’s Brest, and central defender Gregory Wuthrich, who played in the Champions League with Austrian giants Grazer AK. Overall, Young Boys’ strength has significantly improved.
Slovan Bratislava, last season’s Slovakia Super Liga champions, began this season in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. They eliminated Bosnian powerhouse Zrinjski Moster but were defeated by Kazakh giants Kairat Almaty, dropping them into the Europa League. During the summer transfer window, the team rebuilt its defense. Defensive midfielder Julius Szoke (15 league appearances), defender Siemen Voet (16 appearances), and left-back Matus Vojtko (19 appearances) have all left. The club loaned central defender Sidoine Fogning from Portuguese top-flight club Boavista, signed left-back Sandro Cruz from Gil Vicente, and brought in defensive midfielder Peter Pokorny from Polish club Slask Wroclaw. While these signings are position-specific, Slovan Bratislava’s defensive rebuild has not been successful based on their performances this season. After four league matches, they have kept only one clean sheet.
In terms of physical preparedness, the Swiss Super League did not schedule matches last weekend, allowing Young Boys ample rest. In contrast, Slovan Bratislava had a league match last weekend. Since mid-July, they have played three more competitive matches and one extra-time game than Young Boys, and their players’ fitness is already a major concern. If they are at a physical disadvantage, overturning the scoreline will be even more challenging. Playing at home, Young Boys is expected to secure a comfortable victory.
Young Boys’ Last 5 Games: WDLDW
25-08-22 Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Young Boys
25-08-10 Young Boys 0-0 Sion
25-08-07 Basel 4-1 Young Boys
25-08-03 Winterthur 1-1 Young Boys
25-07-27 Young Boys 3-1 Servette
Slovan Bratislava’s Last 5 Games: LWLDW
25-08-22 Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Young Boys
25-08-13 Slovan Bratislava 1-0 FC Kairat Almaty (ET 0-0, PEN 3-4 )
25-08-06 FC Kairat Almaty 1-0 Slovan Bratislava
25-07-30 Zrinjski Mostar 2-2 Slovan Bratislava
25-07-23 Slovan Bratislava 4-0 Zrinjski Mostar
Head-To-Head Record
25-08-22 Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Young Boys
21-07-29 Young Boys 3-2 Slovan Bratislava
21-07-22 Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Young Boys
14-11-28 Slovan Bratislava 1-3 Young Boys
14-09-19 Young Boys 5-0 Slovan Bratislava
Prediction: Young Boys to win