Hosts Slovakia kick off their UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign with a tough game in Bratislava. Our Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 prediction considers whether they can spring a surprise on Wednesday evening.
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Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 prediction: Goals to flow in draw
Key stats
- Our Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 betting tips take into account that five of Spain’s last seven games have served up three or more goals.
- Seven of the last nine Slovakia U21 matches have seen both teams score.
- Slovakia haven’t kept a clean sheet in 12 matches at U21 level since shutting out Spain in a friendly win last year.
Correct score prediction: Slovakia U21 2-2 Spain U21
Slovakia will take confidence from having beaten this opposition so recently, and with home advantage in Bratislava, they look capable of making a real game of this.
Spain are almost always one of the strongest sides when the U21 Euros come around, but this current group of players certainly hasn’t pulled up any trees over the past 12 months, and they may fall just short of a winning start here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour Spain
- HOME: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- AWAY: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The visitors are the favourites according to the Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 odds, with an implied probability of 69.2% that they win this match.
They’ve played one warm-up match ahead of this tournament, surprisingly losing 1-0 to Ukraine last week.
As for Slovakia, they drew 2-2 against Slovenia in a friendly last Tuesday, with Adam Obert and Timotej Jambor grabbing the goals.
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: La Roja dominant before recent friendly loss
Our Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 prediction suggests the host nation will be competitive, but unable to match their 2-0 friendly win over La Roja in March of last year.
Spain had won all of the previous four meetings, despite conceding in all of those games.
U21 International 21/03/24
Spain U21
Slovakia U21
European U21 Championship Qual 29/03/22
Slovakia U21
Spain U21
European U21 Championship Qual 08/10/21
Spain U21
Slovakia U21
European U21 Championship Qual 14/11/17
Spain U21
Slovakia U21
European U21 Championship Qual 10/10/17
Slovakia U21
Spain U21
Slovakia U21 preview: Kapralik to spearhead home challenge
There have been no major injuries reported by Slovakia who will be looking to Adrian Kapralik, who has won 29 caps at this level, to spearhead their attack.
Predicted Lineup: Belko (GK), Javorcek, Obert, Jakubko, Kopasek, Nebyla, Svidersky, Sauer, Kapralik, Marcelli & Jambor
U21 International 24/03/25
L France U21 4 Slovakia U21 0 U21 International 21/03/25
L Germany U21 1 Slovakia U21 0 U21 International 18/11/24
L Portugal U21 3 Slovakia U21 1 U21 International 14/11/24
D Netherlands U21 3 Slovakia U21 3 U21 International 15/10/24
W Wales U21 2 Slovakia U21 4
Spain U21 preview: Hernandez pulls out
Deportivo La Coruna wonderkid Yeremay Hernandez has been forced to pull out of the squad due to an injury. That may create a starting opportunity for Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez.
Predicted Lineup: Iturbe (GK), Martin, Tarrega, Mosquera, Pubill, Jauregizar, Guerra, J. Rodriguez, Torre, D. Lopez & Joseph
U21 International 06/06/25
L Ukraine U21 1 Spain U21 0 U21 International 25/03/25
L Germany U21 3 Spain U21 1 U21 International 21/03/25
D Czechia U21 2 Spain U21 2 U21 International 19/11/24
W Denmark U21 1 Spain U21 2 U21 International 15/11/24
D England U21 0 Spain U21 0
Player to watch – Javi Guerra
One of the most experienced players in the Spain squad is midfielder Javi Guerra. He made 31 starts in La Liga this season for Valencia, scoring three and assisting three.
Guerra targeting big move?
The 22-year-old could put himself in the shop window again at this tournament, after a move to Atletico Madrid last summer collapsed. He has thrived since Carlos Corberan took charge of Los Che and averaged 1.3 shots per game in the Spanish top flight this term.