The first match of the 2025 European Under-21s Championship takes place at the Tehelne Pole Stadium on Wednesday evening, as Slovakia square off with Spain.
Spain are one of the most successful sides in the competition’s history, lifting the trophy on no fewer than five occasions.
Having come agonisingly close to lifting the title for a record-breaking sixth time when finishing as runners-up to England two years ago, Santi Denia’s side will be looking to go one better this time around.
The bookmakers’ odds suggest Spain will do just that, with Denia’s young squad installed as 4/1 outright favourites with Boylesports.
As for Slovakia, they will be appearing at the UEFA U21 European Championships for just the third time in their history.
The host nation could hardly have asked for a tougher opener when they do battle with pre-tournament favourites Spain in Bratislava this midweek.
How the bookies view it: Spain to hit the ground running
This fixture is a clear mismatch on paper and that is reflected in the bookmakers' odds, with Spain short-priced 4/11 favourites on Boylesports. Given that five of Spain’s seven wins during qualification arrived alongside Under 4.5 Goals, there could be value in siding with the same selection here at 10/11 on Boylesports.
Slovakia are as big as 9/2 on Boylesports to spring a shock on Wednesday evening, while the draw is an unfancied 15/4 with the same firm.
Head to head: History against the hosts
Slovakia have fallen to defeat in seven of their overall nine meetings with Spain, drawing one and winning the other. However, it is worth noting that solitary success was during the most recent meeting between the pair in March 2024, with Slovakia claiming a 2-0 friendly victory on that occasion.
Players to watch: Mateo to make his mark?
With an impressive return of five goals across his four appearances for the Spanish Under 21 side, Matteo Joseph looks well placed to get himself on the scoresheet here at 8/11 on Bet 365.
Slovakia will be hoping that Nino Marcelli can inspire them to a surprise win on Wednesday evening. The Slovan Bratislava winger is considered as one of most exciting young talents on the continent.
Predicted line-ups
Slovakia have a clean bill of health, meaning the host nation have no selection headaches ahead of their Group A opener.
Spain’s hopes of winning the trophy were dealt a blow after highly-rated winger Yeremay Hernandez was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury, so Jesus Rodriguez is expected to come into the side on Wednesday evening.
Slovakia: Belko; Javorcek, Obert, Jakubko; Kopasek, Nebyla, Svidersky, Sauer, Kapralik; Marcelli, Jambor
Spain: Iturbe,; Pubill, Tarrega, Mosquera, Martin; Jauregizar, Guerra; Rodriguez, Torre, Lopez; Fernandez
Anything else catch the eye?
The 5/2 bet boost on Boylesports for Spain to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 looks well worthy of support on Wednesday evening.
La Rojita won by one of the above-mentioned scorelines in four of their seven victories during their qualifying campaign.
What's more, Spain have since defeated Denmark 2-1 in a friendly fixture, and that only adds to the appeal backing them to claim another solid if unspectacular success during Wednesday’s curtain-raiser.
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