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Prediction published on Feb 25, 2026 11:02 AM by Dario in Europe - Europa Conference League | Modified on Feb 25, 2026 11:02 AM
The UEFA Europa Conference League knockout playoff second leg between NK Celje and KF Drita promises to be a tense and entertaining affair. With the Slovenian side holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg, everything is still to play for at the Stadion Z'dezele. Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent weeks, and the return fixture could once again deliver plenty of goals as they battle for a place in the last 16.
NK Celje approach this decisive encounter with confidence after their 3-2 away win in the first leg. That result ended a short winless run in the competition and put them in a strong position to progress. Their overall record in the Europa Conference League this season stands at 7 wins, 1 draw, and 3 defeats, with an average of 1.9 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match. These numbers underline their attacking consistency and ability to find the net even against solid opposition.
At home, Celje have been particularly resilient. After a 4-2 defeat to Lugano earlier in the campaign, they have gone four matches unbeaten on their own turf, collecting three wins and one draw. Interestingly, Under 0.5 goals have been scored in only three of their last ten home fixtures, suggesting that fans at the Stadion Z'dezele are used to seeing open, goal-filled contests. Their recent form across all competitions reads 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat, with an impressive average of 3 goals scored per game and 2 conceded.
Celje’s attacking strength has been their main weapon throughout the season, and with a one-goal cushion to defend, they are likely to rely on their offensive rhythm rather than sitting back. Their unbeaten home streak and scoring consistency make them favorites to finish the job in front of their supporters.
KF Drita travel to Slovenia knowing that overturning a one-goal deficit is possible, but their away record in European knockout stages raises concerns. They have lost six of their last eleven away matches at this stage, winning three and drawing two. In the Europa Conference League this season, their record stands at 4 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats, averaging 1 goal scored and 1.3 conceded per match.
Despite their struggles in continental competition, Drita have shown signs of improvement domestically. Their recent 2-0 away victory over KF Llapi in the league helped restore confidence ahead of this crucial tie. Over their last five matches in all competitions, they have recorded 3 wins and 2 defeats, scoring an average of 1.4 goals while conceding 1.0 per game.
Statistically, Drita’s matches tend to open up after the break. There have been Over 0.5 goals in the second half of each of their last twelve away fixtures, while Under 1.5 goals have been scored in the first half of their last fifteen away games. This pattern suggests that they often start cautiously before becoming more adventurous later on. However, their tendency to lose at half time in their last three Europa Conference League matches could be a concern if they fall behind early again.
The first leg between these two sides was a thrilling five-goal contest that ended 3-2 in favor of Celje. That result gives the Slovenian team a slight edge, but Drita’s ability to score in every one of their last ten matches across all competitions means the tie remains finely balanced. The head-to-head record currently stands at 1 win for Celje and 0 for Drita, with an average of 3 goals scored and 2 conceded by the home side in that meeting.
Celje’s attacking approach and home advantage could once again prove decisive. Their ability to maintain pressure and create chances has been evident throughout the campaign. Drita, on the other hand, will need to find the right balance between defense and attack, as conceding early could make their task nearly impossible. Given both teams’ scoring trends, another high-scoring encounter seems likely.
Everything points toward another entertaining match between two sides that have shown attacking intent throughout their campaigns. Celje’s home strength and scoring consistency make them favorites, but Drita’s resilience and ability to find the net in almost every game suggest they will not go down without a fight. The first leg’s five-goal thriller could be a preview of what’s to come in Slovenia.
Given the data and recent performances, the most likely scenario is a Celje win with both teams scoring. The home side’s attacking form, combined with Drita’s tendency to score even in defeat, supports this outcome. Fans can expect a lively contest with goals at both ends as Celje aim to secure their place in the next round of the Europa Conference League.
NK Celje vs KF Drita prediction from BetMines: Home Win (1) with 59% probability.
This section provides average statistics and percentages on the main markets for the last 10 matches of both teams
Celje
Drita
Under
Over
Under
Over
0.5
0
10
0
10
1.5
2
8
4
6
2.5
5
5
8
2
3.5
6
4
10
0
4.5
7
3
10
0