The second-leg match of the 2025/26 Conference League second qualifying round between Zimbru (Moldova) and Astana (Kazakhstan) will take place on July 31 at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau. The first match ended with a 1-1 draw. Zimbru vs. Astana: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zimbru
Oleg Kubarev's team managed to secure a draw in Astana in the first leg. This result ended a four-match losing streak for the Chisinau side in the Conference League. Moreover, it was the first time in this stretch that they conceded fewer than three goals. To advance to the next round, Zimbru needs to win within the 90 minutes. However, the Moldovans have won only one of their seven games in the Conference League (2 draws, 4 losses).
- The team has not scored more than one goal in their last 7 Conference League matches.
- At least one opponent has failed to score in 8 of Zimbru's last 9 home matches in European competitions.
- On their home turf, the club has not won 6 of their last 8 international fixtures (2 draws, 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Zimbru (4-4-2)
Nikolai Chebotar – Mikhail Stefan, Nikolai Zolotov, Abu Dosso, Stefan Burgiu – Bruno Pash, Iu Ranera, Diogo Rodrigues, Nicky Kleshchenko – Guy Daan, Timofey Sharkovsky.
Astana
The Kazakh side were clear favorites in the first match but failed to live up to that status. The team even had to come from behind. A draw in the return leg would lead to extra time, and to avoid that, Astana needs to win in regular time. However, the club is on a six-match winless streak in the Conference League (3 draws, 3 losses).
- The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in 9 of their last 11 Conference League matches.
- In this tournament, the Kazakhs have not won in 6 of their last 7 away matches (2 draws, 4 losses).
- Astana has conceded first in their last 5 away games in the Conference League.
Predicted lineup for Astana (4-5-1)
Josip Condric – Branimir Kalaica, Alexa Amanovic, Karlo Bartolec, Kipras Kazukolovas – Yan Vorogovsky, Nazmi Gripshi, Usman Kamara, Marin Tomasov, Ivan Basic – Chinedu Jeffrey.
Referee
Bram Van Driessche (Belgium)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 0%.
Zimbru vs. Astana: Match Prediction
In the first match, the Kazakhs had a significant advantage but failed to capitalize on it. Credit should be given to the Chisinau team for holding off the opponent's attacks. I believe the pattern of play won't change in the return leg. The Kazakhs will try to leverage their class advantage, while Zimbru will focus on defense, attempting to catch Astana on the counterattack. Given this scenario, it's unlikely we'll see many goals, especially since both teams have been modest in attack.
The Moldovans have scored just 4 goals in 7 Conference League matches, never scoring more than once. Meanwhile, the Kazakhs have not scored more than one goal in 7 consecutive Conference League matches. It's important to note that Astana finds it even harder to score away from home: only one goal in their last 4 matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals
