The UEFA Europa League 2025/26 First Qualifying Round throws up an intriguing tie at Brann Stadion in Bergen as Sabah Baku face off against Celje. While neither club has a rich European pedigree, both have demonstrated enough quality to make this clash noteworthy. Sabah Baku, representing Azerbaijan, come into the match after a series of hard-fought draws, while Celje, hailing from Slovenia, are eager to bounce back from a recent defeat but generally carry stronger form into continental competition.
For Sabah Baku, forward Ramil Sheydayev stands out for his ability to make incisive runs and exploit defensive gaps, while Celje’s central midfielder Lamin Colley is integral for linking play and dictating tempo. Their performances could heavily influence the tactical balance of this encounter.
A hot stat to note: Sabah Baku have drawn their last two matches by identical 2-2 and 3-3 scorelines, highlighting both attacking threat and possible defensive lapses—something Celje’s attack will look to capitalize on.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – First Qualifying Round |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 10.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Sabah Baku vs Celje prediction
This matchup is poised on a knife-edge, as reflected in the narrow odds. However, Celje appear slightly better positioned to edge the contest. Their 50% annual win rate dwarfs Sabah Baku’s 28%, and they have demonstrated the ability to score freely, evidenced by a 6-1 thrashing of Nafta earlier. However, Sabah Baku’s double draw streak shows resilience and suggests they will not be easily overcome.
Sabah Baku’s style is pragmatic under coach Jeff Strasser, often emphasizing structure and collective defending. Yet, frequent draws with high goal involvement indicate vulnerabilities at the back. Discipline remains steady, with neither side accruing excessive cards recently, and both emphasize possession-based football, though Celje’s passing accuracy and pressing may give them the edge.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Celje Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Sabah Baku Recent Matches:
Sabah Baku have struggled to turn tight encounters into victories. In their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Paks, defensive looseness was on display despite offensive promise. They also recorded a spirited 2-2 tie against Rapid Bucuresti, with both matches characterized by fluctuating control and late-game drama. Earlier, they secured a notable 3-2 win over Qarabag, demonstrating their potential to spring upsets, but have since been held back by inconsistency.
Celje Recent Matches:
Celje arrive after a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Cukaricki, where defensive lapses were costly. However, earlier results—like a powerful 6-1 demolition of Nafta and a 4-0 rout of Koper—affirm their attacking credentials. Their track record in recent months points to a dynamic attacking setup, yet lapses in concentration can leave them vulnerable, as seen in recent losses.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Sabah Baku | Celje |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 11 | 14 |
| Total shots | 28 | 31 |
| Free kicks | 34 | 29 |
| Corner kicks | 21 | 24 |
| Total fouls | 43 | 39 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 82 | 85 |
| Interceptions | 18 | 20 |
| Offsides | 6 | 7 |
🚨Read our full Sabah Baku vs Celje stats for more analysis.

Sabah Baku. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sabah Baku the favourite
- Moneyline Sabah Baku 2.56 | Celje 2.78
- Draw 3.20
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.98 | Under 2.5 1.75
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.82 | No 1.90
The odds heavily indicate a close contest, with only marginal differences for either team’s victory. Sabah Baku enjoys a slight advantage with bookmakers, perhaps due to familiarity with the venue and recent resilient performances. However, Celje’s stronger win record through the year and higher pass accuracy suggest genuine upset potential. Over 2.5 goals also appears highly probable given both teams’ scoring and conceding trends.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Sabah Baku possible starting eleven

- GK: Kamran Agayev
- DF: Elvin Jafarguliyev, Bakhtiyar Hasanalizade, Aleksey Isaev, Ramil Bayramov
- MF: Rahman Dashdamirov, Nikoloz Mali, Sadig Guliyev, Filip Ivanovic
- FW: Ramil Sheydayev, Juan Cámara
Sabah Baku typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, leveraging Sheydayev’s movement and Cámara’s technical prowess up front. Agayev is the experienced hand between the posts, while the midfield relies on Dashdamirov’s industry to set the tempo. The backline has been rotated, but Hasanalizade’s leadership remains vital. Watch for Ivanovic to provide width and attacking transitions.
Celje possible starting eleven

- GK: Matjaž Rozman
- DF: Žan Zaletel, Ivan Božić, Luka Bobičanec, Lovro Bizjak
- MF: Lamin Colley, Luka Kerin, Senad Jarović, Žan Medved
- FW: Marko Zabukovnik, Alen Krajnc
Celje are likely to line up in a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with Rozman offering steadiness in goal and Zaletel marshalling the back four. Colley anchors the midfield, offering both defensive steel and creative spark. Krajnc and Medved provide pace and goal threat. The focus for Celje will be quick ball recovery and exploiting Sabah Baku’s defensive gaps.
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Celje. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
This deep-lying contest points to both Sabah Baku and Celje providing plenty of entertainment for neutrals. While Sabah Baku’s attack may trouble Celje, their recent defensive wobbles make them susceptible to a clinical visiting side. My main pick is “Celje Draw No Bet” due to their superior win rate, greater attacking output in recent matches, and resilience when tested by sides of similar pedigree. Expect an open encounter, heavy on goals, with Celje just shading the tactical battle.

