Match Preview

The UEFA Europa League 2025/26 league phase reaches its decisive final round as Sturm Graz host Norwegian side Brann at the Merkur Arena in Graz. With both teams still fighting for position in the 36-team table, this clash has the feel of a knockout tie – one where every duel, every pass and every mistake can swing the balance.

Sturm Graz have had a mixed league-phase campaign. They opened with a tough 2–0 defeat away to high-flying Midtjylland, but responded impressively at home by beating Rangers 2–1 and later holding Premier League side Nottingham Forest to a goalless draw in Austria. Away defeats at Celtic Park and against other top seeds have kept their total modest, leaving them with a record of 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses (4 points) going into the final stretch and sitting in the lower half of the league-phase standings.

Brann, by contrast, have emerged as one of the league phase’s quietly impressive stories. The Norwegian club earned a landmark 3–0 home win over Rangers, edged Utrecht 1–0 in Bergen and ground out valuable away draws – including a dramatic 1–1 at PAOK where Emil Kornvig scored a last-minute equaliser, and a resilient 0–0 away to Bologna despite the Italians playing much of the match with ten men. Across their first five Europa League games, Brann collected 8 points with a 2–2–1 record, scoring 6 and conceding only 3, which underlines how solid they have been at this level.

That contrast sets up an intriguing tactical battle. Sturm Graz have shown they can raise their level at home, with an aggressive pressing style, quick transitions and a partisan Graz crowd behind them. Creative midfielder Tomi Horvat, already on the scoresheet in Europe this season, is crucial between the lines, while forwards like Seedy Jatta and Maurice Malone threaten with direct runs and counter-attacks.

Brann under Freyr Alexandersson have built their European run on structure and resilience. They are compact without the ball, press intelligently rather than recklessly, and are comfortable suffering for long spells before striking back. Their Europa League stats tell the story: only three goals conceded in five league-phase matches, several clean sheets and a high ball-recovery rate. With technical players like Jacob Sørensen in midfield and pace in wide areas, Brann can exploit any gaps if Sturm overcommit.

With Sturm currently around the 28th spot and Brann closer to the top half (around 19th) in the overall league-phase ranking, both teams know that a strong result in Graz can reshape their path towards the knockout rounds. Expect an intense, tactical contest where Brann’s defensive discipline is tested by Sturm’s urgency and home advantage.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Sturm Graz vs Brann clash will be broadcast across Europe and worldwide via official rights holders. In many territories, the game will be available on dedicated sports channels and selected streaming platforms, while club media and radio will provide additional coverage.

The scheduled kick-off is 21:00 CET in Graz, which corresponds to 20:00 GMT (UK time) and 22:00 EET in parts of Eastern Europe.

Match Information

Odds (1X2)

*These are illustrative decimal prices to show the likely balance of the match (slight edge to the home side, but very close overall). Actual odds can vary between licensed operators and may change before kick-off. Remember that betting always involves risk and should only be done legally and responsibly.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Despite their long histories in European competitions, Sturm Graz and Brann have not met in an official UEFA match before this season. This Round 8 fixture therefore represents a fresh, first-time competitive encounter between the Austrian and Norwegian clubs.

Team Form (Last 5 Matches – All Competitions)

Europa League League Phase Snapshot

Before the final round of fixtures, both teams sit in mid-to-lower positions in the 36-team league-phase table, but still within touching distance of the crucial knockout spots.

Brann’s solid points total and excellent defensive record give them a realistic chance of securing a favourable knockout draw. Sturm, meanwhile, must make the most of home advantage on Matchday 8 to climb closer to the top 24.

Key Tactical Battles

Midfield creativity vs defensive organisation: Sturm rely heavily on Otar Kiteishvili and Tomi Horvat to create chances between the lines. Brann’s double pivot and compact back four will aim to clog central zones, forcing the Austrians wide and limiting shooting opportunities from zone 14.

Set pieces and wide service: Both teams attack well from wide areas. Sturm’s full-backs and wingers regularly deliver crosses into the box, while Brann are dangerous from rehearsed set plays. With margins so fine in Europa League ties, a single corner or free-kick routine could decide the match.

Transition moments: Sturm must balance their need to push forward with the risk of being countered. Brann have shown in previous games that they can soak up pressure and then break quickly, especially through runners from midfield. If Sturm lose the ball high up the pitch, Brann will look to attack the space behind the full-backs.

Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Sturm Graz 1–1 Brann

Prediction: Sturm Graz’s strong home record in Europe and urgent need for points suggest they will play on the front foot, backed by an intense atmosphere in Graz. However, Brann’s organisation, resilience and ability to take something from difficult away venues make them extremely hard to beat. A tightly contested draw – with both sides likely to score  looks a realistic outcome.

Brann’s defensive numbers in this Europa League campaign (just three goals conceded in five matches) hint that they can contain Sturm for long spells, while the Austrians have enough attacking quality to find at least one breakthrough. Expect a tense, high-stakes encounter that could go right down to the final minutes.