The second leg of the UEFA Nations League playoff showdown between Serbia and Austria is set to kick off on the evening of March 23, 2025, at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. This rematch comes after a closely contested first leg in Vienna that ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of football.
During the first leg, the Serbian team struggled to showcase their typical performance level but managed to secure a crucial away goal. After going down early to a goal by Austria, Serbia rallied to equalize, ensuring they went into the second leg on neutral territory with some momentum. This head-to-head battle is pivotal for both teams, as they compete for a spot in League A of the Nations League next season.
As both teams prepare for the encounter, the stakes are incredibly high. Serbia has been somewhat waning in form, having won just one of their last ten matches, and they’ll seek to capitalize on home advantage. Their attacking front, led by the talented Dusan Vlahovic, will be expected to put up a solid fight.
Austria has displayed resilience lately, going unbeaten in their last five matches, and they won’t back down easily in this rematch. With Michael Gregoritsch leading their attack after scoring in the first leg, they will look to press the Serbians from the start again.
The two teams first faced each other in 2004, and their encounters have historically been competitive. Serbia has won once, Austria twice, and they have drawn once in the four matches played before this playoff. The anticipation surrounding this fixture sees fans buzzing, as it’s likely to be another thrilling chapter in this rivalry.
Kick-off is scheduled for 22:30 IST/17:00 GMT/12:00 ET/09:00 PT, and given the significance of the match, both teams are gearing up to bring their best performances. The Serbian fans will fill Rajko Mitic Stadium, providing their team with much-needed support as they aim for success.
In terms of injuries, Serbia will miss Andrija Zivkovic and Milos Veljkovic. Austria's squad is similarly impacted, as they will be without Alexander Prass, Marcel Sabitzer, and Kevin Danso due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, both sides boast enough depth to remain competitive.
Betting odds tip the contest in favor of Austria to clinch an away victory, listing them at 31/20 on Bet365, with a prediction of fewer than 3.5 goals at 31/100. Meanwhile, Michael Gregoritsch is favored to score again, with odds at 15/2.
As the game approaches, the players are aware of the importance of every moment. This match not only determines who remains competitive in League A but also affects their overall progression in UEFA international football.
Given Serbia’s last-minute equalizer in their prior encounter with Austria, they could perform much better at home and are eager to change their fortunes against a team that has proven to be tough to beat. Predictions indicate a close contest, and many believe this matchup could end 1-2 in favor of Austria, aligning with recent analyses and performance indicators from both teams.
Furthermore, prepare for further insights from other UEFA Nations League clashes today, as the excitement doesn't end here. Matches involving Georgia versus Armenia, Hungary against Turkey, and Scotland facing Greece are also set to unfold, each promising a blend of tension and heart-pumping action.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these teams adapt and respond under pressure as they fight for their places in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League season.
