- Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
- Venue: Stadion Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw, Poland
- Fixture: UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round, Second Leg
Match Preview
All eyes turn to Warsaw as Legia Warszawa host Baník Ostrava in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie, with both sides locked after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg. Banik Ostrava twice led at home—courtesy of goals from Matej Sin and Martyn Frydrych—only for the Polish runners-up to claw back thanks to Bartosz Kapustka and a dramatic late equalizer from Jean-Pierre Nsamé. With everything still to play for, the stage is set for a tense and dramatic conclusion in the Polish capital.
Legia come into this game in superb form, enjoying an unbeaten start to their domestic and continental campaign. Fresh from a comfortable 2-0 win over Korona Kielce in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Edward Iordanescu’s squad have stringed together four wins and a draw in their last five—displaying resilience, attacking flair and defensive stability, barring the two goals conceded last week in Ostrava. Legia’s home crowd could prove vital, as the club boasts an imposing record in front of their own fans during European qualifiers in recent seasons.
Banik Ostrava, while showing that they shouldn’t be underestimated, are seeking their first European group stage appearance in two decades. Their start to the Czech top-flight campaign has been rough—losing to Bohemians 1905 and managing only draws and a loss in their last three official games—but they showed attacking promise by scoring twice at home against Legia. Their away record in continental competition is less encouraging, with only two wins in their last eight European away trips, and they have struggled defensively—conceding nine goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
Both managers face important selection decisions. Legia’s only major absentee is likely to be defender Jan Leszczyński, ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury until early August. Kacper Tobiasz is set to start in goal, with key roles expected for Kapustka, Juergen Elitim and Paweł Wszołek in midfield, and Kacper Chodyna and Ilia Shkurin in attack. Banik Ostrava, meanwhile, are expected to continue with a back three led by Frydrych, supported by offensive threats Matej Sin, Filip Kubala, and Erik Prekop. The physical demands of the qualifying cycle may test squad depth on both sides, but no significant suspensions loom for this match.
Key Players to Watch
- Bartosz Kapustka (Legia Warszawa): The dynamic midfielder scored in Ostrava and will be crucial to Legia’s ability to control tempo and create chances.
- Jean-Pierre Nsamé (Legia Warszawa): The powerful striker grabbed a late equalizer in the first leg and poses a major threat in the box.
- Kacper Tobiasz (Legia Warszawa): The young goalkeeper has impressed with his reflexes and command of his area.
- Matej Sin (Baník Ostrava): Scored early in the first leg and is the key to unlocking Legia’s backline.
- Michal Frydrych (Baník Ostrava): A leader at the back and a threat on set-pieces—he also netted in the first leg.
Prediction
With Legia in strong form, holding home-field advantage and boasting greater depth and European pedigree, they are expected to edge through against a spirited Banik Ostrava side. However, Banik’s attacking threat means the match could be another high-scoring affair. Expect Legia’s consistency and quality in midfield to prove decisive, but Banik should still make the hosts work hard for their progression.
Predicted Score: Legia Warszawa 2-1 Banik Ostrava (Legia advance 4-3 on aggregate)
Betting Markets and Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Legia Warszawa | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 5/6 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | 2-1 Legia Warszawa | 15/2 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Jean-Pierre Nsamé | 13/8 | Bet Now |
| Draw No Bet | Legia Warszawa | 2/7 | Bet Now |
| Asian Handicap (-1) | Legia Warszawa | 7/4 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative, check the site for the latest prices.
With the tie evenly poised and everything on the line, expect a fiercely competitive encounter filled with attacking intent and European drama in Warsaw!
