The match of the 7th round of the group stage of the Europa League 2025/26 between Malmö FF (Sweden) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) will take place on 22 january at Malmö New Stadium. Malmö FF vs Red Star Belgrade: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Malmö FF
Malmö FF lost away to Porto (1:2) in the last round. This is the club's fifth defeat in the main stage of the Europa League 2025/26. Moreover, the club conceded even in the only match in which it managed to take a point. However, that draw leaves the team with only theoretical chances of fighting for the play-offs, the deficit to which is 6 points. That possibility will disappear if the team loses the upcoming encounter. In addition, only Maccabi Tel-Aviv (2) has scored fewer goals than the club (3).
- The team conceded first in 5 of its 6 previous Europa League matches.
- At home in this competition Malmö FF has not won in 10 of the last 11 matches (2 draws, 8 defeats).
- The club scored in 5 of the last 6 home matches in the Europa League.
Potential Malmö FF Lineup (4-4-2)*
Robin Olsen – Jens Larsen, Gabriel Buzanello, Colin Rösler, Pontus Jansson – Kenan Busuladzic, Lasse Jönsen, Adrian Skugmar, Teodor Lundberg – Salifu Suma, Sejad Haksabanovic.
Red Star Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade's victory in the last round over Sturm was the club's third consecutive win in the Europa League. Interestingly, all matches finished 1:0. Prior to this run the team had conceded in 12 straight games in this competition. With 10 points, the club sits 17th in the main standings. At the same time Red Star Belgrade can both move into the top 8 and end its Europa League campaign. It should be added that the club has the lowest goals-scored figure among the top 24 teams – 5 goals.
In December the club appointed Dejan Stanković as head coach.
- The team did not score more than once in 7 consecutive Europa League matches.
- Away in this competition the club lost 6 of the last 7 matches (1 win).
- At least three goals were scored in 5 of the last 7 away games in the Europa League.
Potential Red Star Belgrade Lineup (4-4-2)*
Mateus – Sol Y. U., Stefan Lekovic, Nikola Stankovic, Rodrigan – Rade Krunic, Mirko Ivanic, Vasilije Kostov, Timy Elshnik – Marko Arnautovic, Bruno Duarte.
Referee
Sascha Stegemann (Germany)
Matches – 5 (International fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 14;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 2.8;
Red Cards Shown – 0;
Fouls Per Match – 25;
Penalties – 40%.
Malmö FF vs Red Star Belgrade: Match Prediction
A collapse in the domestic championship and in the Europa League forced Malmö FF's management to change the coach. It is unlikely that the Spanish specialist will be able to radically transform the team's play in such a short time, especially the creative aspect. The team ranks worst in the current Europa League edition by xG and second from bottom by goals scored. In general it is hard to expect high scoring from the club: the team failed to score more than once in 8 of the last 11 home matches in this competition. At the same time, defensive breakdowns are usually allowed by the team only on the road.
Red Star Belgrade has found a recipe for success: solid defensive performances and a high conversion rate of the few chances have helped the club rise into the play-off zone. The team is unlikely to force the tempo; a draw would probably suit the visitors, and achieving it would not be that difficult if they once again play strictly in defense. The club already has 3 clean sheets, a better equivalent only for three opponents. The club's scoring is at the level of lower-third representatives.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
* For each team the starting lineup from its previous match is indicated.
