NK Celje - Salzburg

NK Celje face a daunting challenge as they search for their first points in the Europa League group stage. The Slovenian side hosts Salzburg at Stadion Z'dezele on 22 October 2026 for this crucial matchday 3 encounter, hoping to recover from a difficult start to their continental campaign. With Blaz Kramer and Svit Seslar expected to lead the charge, the hosts must find a clinical edge that has eluded them in recent European outings, including a heavy defeat against Omonia Nicosia.

Salzburg arrive with momentum from their domestic league, having recently secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Altach. While they suffered a setback against AC Milan in their last European fixture, their ability to dominate in the Austrian Bundesliga suggests they remain a formidable opponent. The visitors will be without the injured Nikolas Veratschnig, but with Haris Tabakovic expected to spearhead the attack, they possess the quality to test a resilient Celje defensive unit.