Visitors can take advantage of the hosts' slow start: Celje vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction
The third-round league phase clash between Celje and Red Bull Salzburg will take place on October 22, 2026, at Z'dežele Stadium. The Slovenian club have lost both of their opening matches and remain without a point, while the Austrians have three points. At the same time, the visitors look far more convincing away from home, while Celje have recently struggled badly in front of goal.
Celje: two defeats and no goals in the Europa League
Zoran Željković's side have endured a difficult start to their first-ever Europa League league phase. Celje first lost 0-2 away to Bayer, before suffering a 0-3 home defeat against Omonia. In their first five competitive matches under the new coach, the Slovenian side failed to score on four occasions, recording just one win, two draws and two defeats.
Their latest league match against leaders Maribor ended in a goalless draw, but Celje are only sixth in the table and trail the top spot by eight points. Their home record also offers little cause for optimism: the team have won just one of their last four matches on home soil and lost three times.
Red Bull Salzburg: stronger away than at home
Dani Røhl's team opened their Europa League campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Levski, before suffering a heavy blow against Milan — a 0-4 defeat. Nevertheless, the Austrians quickly responded to the setback and comfortably beat Altach 3-0 in their very next league match, with goals from Haris Tabaković, Jesper Lindstrøm and Damir Ređić.
Most importantly, Salzburg have yet to lose away from home this season. In nine competitive away matches, the team have recorded five wins and four draws, while keeping clean sheets in five of their last six trips. Against a Celje side struggling in attack, this could prove to be one of the key factors in the match.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Celje have lost both of their opening Europa League league phase matches and have yet to score.
- Salzburg have not lost any of their nine competitive away matches this season.
- The Austrian club have kept clean sheets in five of their last six away games.
Consistency away from home should help the favorite: Celje vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction
Celje may try to adopt a more cautious approach after two defeats in the competition, but the Slovenian side's problems are not limited to their defense — they are also struggling to convert their chances. The team are too often left without a goal, and against an opponent with such a strong away record, that significantly reduces their chances of a positive result.
Salzburg are also far from their best, but they quickly returned to winning ways after their heavy defeat to Milan. A more consistent attack, a high level of performance on the road and an overall advantage in quality should help the visitors claim another three points.
