Celje vs Egnatia Prediction 28.07.2026 | Champions League

Celje returned from Albania with plenty of encouragement after producing an entertaining 3-3 draw against Egnatia in the first leg. Albert Riera's side twice moved in front thanks to a superb brace from Mario Kvesic, although a series of costly defensive lapses ultimately prevented them from taking a valuable first-leg advantage.

Nevertheless, scoring three away goals has significantly boosted confidence within the Slovenian champions' camp ahead of Tuesday's decisive return fixture. Backed by their home supporters at Stadion Z'dezele, Celje are expected to impose themselves from the opening whistle, dominate possession and dictate the tempo in pursuit of a place in the next qualifying round.

While their attacking display offered plenty of positives, tightening up at the back will be the coaching staff's main priority after Celje conceded five goals across their opening two competitive matches of the 2026-27 campaign. Eliminating those defensive mistakes could prove decisive in such a finely balanced tie.

The hosts have no fresh injury concerns heading into the second leg, and first-leg star Mario Kvesic is once again expected to play a key role in midfield, where his creativity, composure and experience will be vital as Celje aim to book their place in the next round of Champions League qualifying.

From their perspective, KF Egnatia travel to Tuesday's decisive encounter with plenty of confidence, particularly given the firepower they have displayed throughout their European campaign, and they have every reason to believe they can take another significant step towards the Champions League group-stage dream.

The Green-Blacks have been one of the most entertaining attacking sides in the qualifying rounds so far, having dismantled Moldovan outfit Petrocub 6-1 on home soil before once again showcasing their clinical edge in an action-packed 3-3 draw against Celje in the first leg.

However, away fixtures in Europe have traditionally posed a far greater challenge for the Rrogozhine-based club, and after failing to convert home advantage into a first-leg lead, they will need to produce a far more disciplined defensive performance if they are to progress.

As for team news, Egnatia are expected to have an almost fully fit squad available, with Soumaila Bakayoko representing the only notable concern after the midfielder was forced off with an apparent injury just 16 minutes into the opening leg.