PREVIEW: 3. SNL – NK Šmartno Ljubljana vs. NK Race

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (Interstat) — NK Šmartno Ljubljana hosts NK Race on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in a 3. SNL matchup that could have implications for the lower half of the Slovenian third-division table. Kickoff is set for a yet-to-be-announced time at Šmartno’s home ground.

NK Race enters the match with momentum despite a narrow 1-0 loss at Brezice on May 16. That defeat snapped a three-match unbeaten run for the visitors, who drew 1-1 at Zavrc on May 9 and beat NK Podvinci 3-1 on April 25. Race’s season has been erratic: they have alternated wins, losses and draws, including a 5-1 thrashing at Fuzinar on April 18 and a 5-0 victory over Dobrovce on April 4. Overall, Race (8 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses in their past 18 league matches) sit mid-table but have shown resilience on the road.

NK Šmartno Ljubljana, meanwhile, is coming off a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at NK Podvinci on May 16. That result ended a three-game losing streak that included a 5-2 home defeat to SD Videm on May 3 and a 1-0 loss to Dobrovce on April 26. The hosts have struggled for consistency: they beat Rogaska 3-0 on April 18 and edged Avto Rajh Ljutomer 3-2 on April 4, but also suffered a 3-2 loss at Carda Martjanci on March 15. In their last 20 league outings, Šmartno Ljubljana has posted 7 wins, 4 draws and 9 losses.

The two sides last met on Nov. 8, 2025, playing to a 1-1 draw at Race. That result continued a trend of tight contests: the previous four head-to-head matches have been decided by one goal or ended level.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for NK Race. The visitors have been slightly more productive offensively in recent weeks, averaging 1.2 goals per game over their last 10 matches, while Šmartno Ljubljana has managed 1.0 per game over the same stretch. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities: the home side has conceded 2 or more goals in five of their last 10, while Race have allowed multiple goals in three of their last five.

Saturday’s match could hinge on set pieces and early momentum. NK Race will look to capitalize on quick transitions, while Šmartno Ljubljana will aim to build from their clean-sheet performance at Podvinci. With the season winding down, both clubs will be eager to finish on a positive note in front of what is expected to be a modest but vocal crowd.