Match Overview

The 3rd round match of the UEFA 2025/26 group stage between SC Braga (Portugal) and Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) is scheduled for October 23rd at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. This preview offers an in-depth look at the upcoming clash, including predictions, odds, and key statistics for Braga vs Crvena Zvezda.

SC Braga’s Current Form

The Portuguese side has secured a perfect six points from their opening two group stage fixtures, with victories over Feyenoord (1-0) and Celtic (2-0). This impressive run extends their winning streak in the to six consecutive matches. Notably, Braga has maintained a clean sheet in four of these encounters. During this period, the team has showcased formidable attacking prowess, scoring fewer than two goals in only one game. Currently, Carlos Vicens’ squad sits in 4th place in the tournament standings.

• At least one team has failed to score in 7 out of Braga’s last 9 matches.
• On home turf in this competition, Braga has won 5 of their last 6 matches in regular time (with one draw).
• Braga has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 home games.

SC Braga Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Lukas Hornicek – Bright Arrey-Mbi, Gustav Lagerbielke, Leonardo Lelo, Janis da Rocha – Florian Grillitsch, Vitor Carvalho, Gorby – Ricardo Horta, Amine El Ouazzani, Pau Victor.

Crvena Zvezda’s Performance Overview

In their opening fixture, the Serbian side drew 1-1 at home against Celtic, before suffering a 1-2 away defeat to Porto. Crvena Zvezda has registered just one victory in their last five matches (1 draw, 3 losses). However, it’s worth noting that the Balkan team has found the net in seven consecutive games in this tournament. Their run of conceding goals is even longer, standing at eleven consecutive matches. Vladan Milojevic’s men are currently positioned 26th in the overall standings.

• Both teams have scored in 7 of Crvena Zvezda’s last games.
• The club has suffered 5 consecutive away defeats in this tournament.
• Crvena Zvezda has scored no more than one goal in their last 8 away matches.

Crvena Zvezda Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)*

Mateus – Seol Young-woo, Milos Veljkovic, Franklin Tebo, Nair Tiknizyan – Timi Elsnik, Nemanja Radonjic, Mirko Ivanic, Tomas Hendel, Vasilije Kostov – Marko Arnautovic.

Team News

Strikers Xavi Babicka and Aleksandar Katai are injured.

Match Official Statistics

Espen Eskås (Norway)

Matches refereed: 6 (International competitions, 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 27;

Average yellow cards per match: 4.5;

Red cards shown: 0;

Average fouls per match: 24;

Penalties awarded: 33%.

Match Prediction and Betting Tips

Less than a month has passed since Crvena Zvezda’s last visit to Portugal. That encounter ended unfavorably for Vladan Milojevic’s side, though they only lost 1-2 to a formidable Porto team, who have been flawless this season. This defeat extended Crvena Zvezda’s winless away streak in the to seven matches. In my opinion, the Balkan team has limited chances to break this poor run in the upcoming fixture. Braga has been performing exceptionally well in the current campaign.

Carlos Vicens’ squad only faced difficulties in the 2nd qualifying round, after which the Portuguese side embarked on a winning streak of six matches. Throughout their eight 2025/26 fixtures, the club has conceded a mere two goals. While the Serbians consistently find the back of the net in this competition, breaching such a robust defense will be extremely challenging for Crvena Zvezda. It is also worth noting that while Braga delivered a goal-scoring spectacle against a Gibraltarian opponent, they rarely exhibit high offensive output against stronger, high-calibre adversaries.

Considering these factors, my prediction is: “Braga to win or draw and Total Goals Under 3.5” with odds of 1.70.

* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is indicated.