Two of Eastern Europe’s football powerhouses collide as Lech Poznan and Red Star Belgrade scuffle for bragging rights in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at Stadion Poznan on Wednesday, 6 August.
View our UEFA Champions League predictions after analysing our key Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade tips below.
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Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade prediction: Red Star to outshine Kolejorz
Key stats
- Lech Poznan have lost two of their six opening games of the new season (W4).
- The Railwaymen haven’t appeared in the Champions League since 1993.
- Red Star are on a four-game winning streak since the start of the campaign.
- The visitors are undefeated in four competitive away games (W2, D2).
Correct score prediction: Lech Poznan 1-2 Red Star Belgrade
Lech Poznan enter this clash in strong form, having demolished Breidablik 8-1 on aggregate in the previous UCL qualifying round while registering two Ekstraklasa triumphs, a marked improvement after their season began with disappointing consecutive defeats. For Niels Frederiksen’s side, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they chase their first proper UCL tournament since 1993, having missed European competition entirely since their impressive 2022 UEFA Conference League quarter-final run.
Standing in their way are European regulars Red Star Belgrade, who are targeting a third straight UCL campaign. Vladan Milojevic’s men cruised past Gibraltar-based outfit Lincoln Red Imps 6-1 over two legs, and with both superior recent form and continental pedigree. These are factors that could prove decisive as they seek to take an advantage back to the fiery Marakana for the second leg.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Away side with the edge
- HOME: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.3%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite their home advantage, Lech Poznan are priced lower to emerge victorious than the visitors. This will be their first big test this season, backed by odds of 7/4 (2.75) odds. This suggests a 36.3% chance of securing success for the hosts.
Red Star Belgrade are the slight favourites ahead of Poznan, having won each of their four opening games this season. Their last defeat dates back to the end of June in a friendly against Zenit St. Petersburg. They carry 6/4 (2.50) odds to emerge victorious – a 40% probability of triumph.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Lech Poznan vs Red Star Belgrade predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: First competitive meeting
The two sides last met in 2010 in a friendly H2H, with Lech Poznan emerging victorious 3-1 on that occasion. This will be their first-ever competitive H2H.
Poznan preview: Can they avoid a loss?
Four players are unavailable for Fredriksen, with Murawski, Wolanski, Hakansson and Baranowski all missing out due to injuries.
Predicted lineup: Mrozek (GK), Pereira, Skrzypczak, Milic, Moutinho, Szymczak, Kozubal, Thordarson, Bengtsson, Jagiello & Ishak
Poland Ekstraklasa 11/05/25
W
Legia Warsaw
0
Lech Poznan
1
Poland Ekstraklasa 03/05/25
W
Puszcza Niepolomice
1
Lech Poznan
8
Poland Ekstraklasa 27/04/25
D
Radomiak Radom
2
Lech Poznan
2
Poland Ekstraklasa 21/04/25
W
Cracovia Krakow
1
Lech Poznan
2
Poland Ekstraklasa 13/04/25
W
Motor Lublin
1
Lech Poznan
2
Red Star preview: Momentum on their side
Milojevic and co. arrive in Poznan with no injuries or suspensions to deal with.
Predicted lineup: Matheus (GK), Milosavljvic, Rodrigao, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan, Krunic, Katai, Elsnik & Milson
Serbia Super Liga 11/05/25
D
Vojvodina
1
Crvena Zvezda
1
Serbia Cup 07/05/25
W
FK Napredak
2
Crvena Zvezda
4
Serbia Super Liga 03/05/25
W
FK Backa Topola
1
Crvena Zvezda
2
Serbia Super Liga 27/04/25
W
OFK Beograd
2
Crvena Zvezda
5
Serbia Super Liga 23/04/25
L
FK Radnicki 1923
4
Crvena Zvezda
1
Player to watch: Aleksander Katai
Serbian midfielder Katai has excelled in both of Red Stars’ recent games where they’ve won 12-2 aggregate, standing out with three goals and two assists. The 34-year-old veteran is in excellent form – expect him to cause Poznan’s defence some real problems.