Lugano vs Celje prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-03-12 17:45.
[p]Lugano couldnât make it a memorable debut in the knockouts of a UEFA competition, losing 1-0 away to Celje in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. The Bianconeri responded by getting a first goal in five matches at the weekend, but couldnât prevent a fifth consecutive loss in all competitions. In spite of that negative run, manager Mattia Croci-Torti is confident that his side âcan turn it aroundâ as he looks to find the form that landed four wins in six Conference League matches (D1, L1) prior to the first-leg defeat.[/p]
[p]The Swiss side need a win to at least take the game beyond regular time, but a record of just two wins from their last seven competitive home matches (D3, L2) hardly inspires confidence. Their quest isnât helped by the fact they play their Conference League home games at a neutral venue, but they are at least unbeaten at FC Thunâs Stockhorn Arena this season (W2, D1), with both wins also yielding a clean sheet.[/p]
[p]A narrow win in the first leg gives Celje a great chance to extend their stay in whatâs already an impressive debut performance in a major UEFA group/league phase for the Slovenians. They followed it up with a 2-2 draw at the weekend in the Slovenia PrvaLiga, meaning theyâve now lost only one of their last eight competitive matches (W4, D3) and avoiding another defeat here would be enough to secure their progression.[/p]
[p]This visit to the Swiss Alps could challenge their ability to score, as Albert Rieraâs men have failed to find the net in four of their last five competitive trips (W1, D2, L2). While that wasnât a problem in this seasonâs Conference League campaign, scoring four goals across four main draw trips (W1, L3), those three defeats suggest this tie is far from over yet.[/p]
[p]Key battle: Renato Steffen could be key for Luganoâs chances as his last seven competitive goals have come in five wins, including one in this competition. Svit SeĆĄlar could be Celjeâs creative outlet on this trip, as he tops the Conference League assists charts this season with seven in nine games.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ten of Celjeâs last 14 Conference League matches saw both teams score.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Sridhar B[/i][/p]