Borac Banja Luka
Vikingur ReykjavikVikingur Reykjavik host Borac Banja Luka in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round at Vikingsvollur. The winner advances to the tournament's main stage, with the return fixture scheduled for August 27 in Bosnia. Both teams arrive carrying momentum from dramatic European victories. Vikingur edged Swiss side Thun 3-2 in their previous outing, demonstrating character after an opening defeat. Borac, meanwhile, secured a memorable penalty shootout win over ML Vitebsk, with 18-year-old goalkeeper Mladen Jurkas saving two spot-kicks in extra time. The stakes are high, and both camps should enter with confidence despite the grueling nature of their recent matches.
Form and Head-to-Head
Over their last ten matches, Borac at home show five wins, two draws and three losses, averaging 1.70 goals for and 1.39 against. Vikingur away record reads similarly: five wins, two draws and three losses, though they average a stronger 2.10 goals for and 1.80 against. The teams have met once in European competition—November 2024—when Vikingur won 2-0 at home. However, much has changed since that encounter, and little should be read into the previous result. Vikingur will be keen to secure at least a minimal advantage before the return leg in Banja Luka, while Borac are likely to adopt a compact defensive approach to limit attacking space.
Best Bet
Vikingur Reykjavik are favoured to take the first-leg advantage. At 1xBet, a win for the Icelandic side is available at 1.93, offering reasonable value given their home advantage, recent form and previous head-to-head success. Melbet quote 1.9 for the same outcome, while 1Win price it at 2.02.
Odds to Watch
The draw is priced at 3.98 on Melbet and 4.02 on 1xBet—a cautious opening cannot be ruled out given the return leg's significance. A Borac victory is available at 3.6 on Melbet, 3.65 on 1xBet and 3.15 on 1Win. Over 2.5 goals shows positive profit trends for Vikingur's away form and could appeal to those expecting an open contest.
