The first leg of the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoff between Greece and Scotland kicks off on March 20, 2025, at 19:45 GMT+0. The match will take place at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece, with a capacity of 33,296, and will be officiated by German referee Tobias Stieler. This crucial encounter pits League B’s Greece against League A’s Scotland, with the winner securing a spot in the top tier for the next season.
Greece enter this playoff with momentum, having dominated their group with five wins in six games, narrowly missing automatic promotion to England. Scotland, meanwhile, fought hard to avoid direct relegation from a tough League A group featuring Croatia, Portugal, and Poland, clinching seven points in their final three matches. With the second leg at home, Scotland have a slight edge, but Greece’s formidable home record in the competition makes this an intriguing battle.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
For those looking to dive into Greece vs Scotland betting tips, this section sets the stage for a detailed breakdown. Both teams bring contrasting strengths to the table, with Greece riding a wave of confidence and Scotland showing late resilience. Historical clashes and recent performances will shape the Greece vs Scotland prediction today. Expect a tight contest where home advantage and key players could tip the scales. Let’s explore the numbers and trends to guide your decisions.
Greece Results
Greece have been a force in the UEFA Nations League under Ivan Jovanovic, boasting an impressive record in League B. Their recent campaign showcased both attacking flair and defensive solidity, especially at home. With promotion on the line, their form suggests they’re ready to challenge Scotland.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 17/11/24 | UNL | Finland vs Greece | 0-2 | W |
| 14/11/24 | UNL | Greece vs England | 0-3 | L |
| 13/10/24 | UNL | Greece vs Ireland | 2-0 | W |
| 10/10/24 | UNL | England vs Greece | 1-2 | W |
| 10/09/24 | UNL | Ireland vs Greece | 0-2 | W |
Greece’s run of six wins in seven matches highlights their consistency, with the 3-0 loss to England at home as the only blemish. They’ve scored at least twice in every victory, showing offensive firepower led by Vangelis Pavlidis. Nine clean sheets in 12 UNL home games underline their defensive strength in Piraeus. The England defeat exposed vulnerabilities against top-tier sides, but their record against British teams (wins over England and Ireland) boosts confidence. This suggests Greece can dominate lesser opposition, making them favorite at home.
Scotland Results
Scotland’s debut in League A was a rollercoaster, but their late surge kept them in contention. Steve Clarke’s side showed grit to secure this playoff spot, relying on key moments from veterans like John McGinn and Andrew Robertson. Now, they face a tough test to retain their top-flight status.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 18/11/24 | UNL | Poland vs Scotland | 1-2 | W |
| 15/11/24 | UNL | Scotland vs Croatia | 1-0 | W |
| 15/10/24 | UNL | Scotland vs Portugal | 0-0 | D |
| 12/10/24 | UNL | Croatia vs Scotland | 2-1 | L |
| 08/09/24 | UNL | Portugal vs Scotland | 2-1 | L |
Scotland’s late rally winning their last two games offers hope after a dismal stretch of 10 losses in 16 matches. Their victories over Poland and Croatia show they can compete with quality sides, though away form remains shaky with four wins in 11 UNL trips. Scoring first hasn’t guaranteed success, as half their away defeats came after taking the lead. The goalless draw with Portugal proves their defensive resolve, but consistency is a concern. They’ll need to sharpen up in Piraeus to avoid a deficit.
Greece vs Scotland Head-to-Head (Last 2 Matches)
Direct encounters between Greece and Scotland are rare, with only two meetings in the last 30 years. Both occurred during Euro ’96 qualifying, offering limited but telling insight. Here’s how they’ve fared:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 16/08/95 | EUR | Scotland vs Greece | 1-0 |
| 18/12/94 | EUR | Greece vs Scotland | 1-0 |
Each side won at home with a 1-0 scoreline, suggesting tight, low-scoring affairs. The lack of recent H2H data limits conclusions, but home advantage has been decisive historically.
Greece Possible Starting Lineup
Greece have leaned on a mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair in their League B campaign. Expect Jovanovic to field a balanced XI to exploit their strong home record.
- Vlachodimos (GK), Rota (DF), Mavropanos (DF), Chatzidiakos (DF), Tsimikas (DF), Mantalos (MF), Siopis (MF), Masouras (MF), Pelkas (MF), Tzolis (FW), Ioannidis (FW)
Scotland Possible Starting Lineup
Scotland’s late surge in League A suggests Clarke will stick with a gritty, counterattacking setup, bolstered by returning players like Ferguson and Adams.
- Gordon (GK), Ralston (DF), Souttar (DF), Hanley (DF), Robertson (DF), Gilmour (MF), Ferguson (MF), McGinn (MF), McTominay (MF), Christie (FW), Adams (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries and absences can shift the dynamics of any match, and this Greece vs Scotland clash is no exception. Below is a rundown of players sidelined or doubtful for the first leg, based on the latest team news. These absences could influence tactical decisions and performance on the pitch.
| Team | Player | Injury/Status |
| Greece | Tasos Bakasetas | Thigh Injury (Out) |
| Scotland | Ben Doak | Thigh Injury (Out) |
Greece will miss their captain Bakasetas, a key playmaker with 14 goal involvements in UNL history, forcing a reshuffle in midfield creativity. Scotland’s loss of young winger Doak weakens their flanks, though the return of Adams and Ferguson softens the blow. Both teams appear otherwise intact, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
Key Factors to Watch
Understanding this matchup requires digging into the details that could sway the result. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that will come under scrutiny in Piraeus. Here are the critical elements to consider:
- Greece’s home dominance: Unbeaten in 10 of 12 UNL home games (W8, D2, L2) with nine clean sheets;
- Scotland’s away struggles: Just four wins in 11 UNL away matches, often faltering after scoring first;
- Vangelis Pavlidis’ form: 12 goals in 13 club games for Benfica, plus a brace vs England in UNL;
- Scotland’s injury blow: Ben Doak’s absence weakens their wing play, though Che Adams and Lewis Ferguson return;
- Greece’s missing captain: Tasos Bakasetas’ thigh injury deprives them of a key playmaker (14 goal involvements in UNL);
- Scotland’s late winners: McGinn and Robertson have delivered clutch goals in recent matches;
- Greece’s scoring streak: At least two goals in six of their last seven wins;
- Weather impact: March in Piraeus could bring rain, potentially slowing Scotland’s counterattacks.
Free Tips on Greece vs Scotland
Breaking down the Greece vs Scotland matchup requires a sharp eye on the stats and trends that define their past encounters and current campaigns. This section offers practical, data-driven tips to sharpen your betting strategy for the March 20, 2025, clash in Piraeus. Leveraging historical numbers and team dynamics, here’s how to approach this UEFA Nations League playoff.
- Track Recent Team Form: Greece’s five wins in six League B games signal high confidence, while Scotland’s two straight victories to close out League A show late resilience form is a stronger indicator here than league status.
- Assess Home vs. Away Trends: Greece’s 8-2-2 record in 12 UNL home games contrasts sharply with Scotland’s 4-1-6 away mark, giving the hosts a clear statistical edge at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
- Factor in Pitch and Weather Conditions: March rain in Piraeus could slow the game on natural grass, potentially favoring Greece’s disciplined style over Scotland’s counterattacking approach.
- Check Referee Tendencies: Tobias Stieler’s history of strict officiating (averaging 4+ cards per game) suggests betting on disciplinary markets like total cards could pay off in a tense playoff.
- Evaluate Fixture Fatigue: Scotland’s congested League A schedule may leave them drained compared to Greece, who’ve had a smoother run rested legs could decide this first leg.
These tips, grounded in the teams’ recent performances and historical data, highlight Greece’s advantage while flagging Scotland’s vulnerabilities on the road. Use them to refine your Greece vs Scotland prediction today.
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Greece vs Scotland Match Prediction 2025
Greece hold the edge in this first leg, thanks to their exceptional home record and attacking momentum. Scotland’s late resurgence is promising, but their inconsistent away form coupled with a historical loss in Greece tilts the scales. Pavlidis’ scoring streak makes him a likely difference-maker, especially against a Scottish defense that’s conceded in four of five recent UNL away games. Without Bakasetas, Greece may lean harder on Pavlidis and Tzolis, but their depth should cope. Scotland’s returning stars like Adams and Ferguson add bite, yet their tendency to collapse after taking leads on the road is a red flag. The Greece vs Scotland odds likely favor the hosts, given their 83% win rate at home in UNL (10/12). A tight game is expected, but Greece’s defensive solidity (nine clean sheets at home) suggests they can shut out Scotland’s attack, which has struggled for fluency. Historical H2H points to low-scoring affairs, yet Greece’s recent form (2+ goals in wins) hints at a more decisive outcome. I predict a 2-0 Greece victory, capitalizing on home advantage and Scotland’s travel woes.
Our Prediction: Greece 2-0 Scotland
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Greece to Win | 2.0 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.73 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.59 |
With Greece vs Scotland prediction 2025 in mind, this looks like a solid opportunity for bettors. Place your wager now and ride the momentum you can place your bet on the Greece vs Scotland match at bc.game for a seamless experience and competitive odds!
