BATE – Slovan Bratislava

A 1-1 draw in Slovakia assures that everything is left to fight for when BATE and Slovan meet in Belarus. Champions League playoffs second leg.

BATE Borisov had a tough season, and no more than 1 month ago they were struggling – second in the league, tough qualifications in Champions League over Skenderbreu and Debrecen (BATE actually needed a last minute goal to qualify over the Hungarians). Despite the struggles, BATE always had the quality and in these last few weeks they stepped it up and started playing excellent football, just at the right time. The hosts have won the last two games in Belarus without conceding a goal, including an excellent 2-0 road win over title rivals Dinamo Minsk, who has a top team this year and is making noise in the Europa League. Additionally, BATE was all over Slovan in the first leg and could have easily gone up 2-0 or 3-0, but a late rally from the Slovakians denied them the win.

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Even though the statistics might not suggest it, Slovan was really shaky in the first match, fell down in the first half and looked very likely to concede more. Their defense is usually stable but BATE managed to create chances with ease. The visitors need a much better performance today in order to qualify, but it`s doubtful they have what it takes to produce it. Slovan is on the back of a 2-1 defeat in the league, but their minds were surely on this Champions League tie.

Both teams are much better at home and I reckon BATE will have a huge advantage playing the reverse leg in Belarus. The hosts are the better team, they are in better form and should take care of business today – they will be motivated and fresh after postponing their weekend league match. The way Slovan Bratislava looked in Slovakia, I have reservations over their ability to score at least a goal. BATE will probably go up 1-0 at some point and then they have decent chances to bang in another 1 or 2 goals on the break. My tip is BATE Borisov to win and cover the -1 asian handicap and I`m very happy with the odds on this bet. Prediction: BATE Borisov – Slovan Bratislava 2-0.

Pick: BATE Borisov (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.55 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 12.4
Event date: 26 August