MARIBOR, Slovenia (Interstat) — The 1. Mladinska Liga regular season concludes Thursday when league-leading NK Zeleznicar Maribor hosts NK Aluminij U19 at a neutral site, with the home side seeking to cement its title credentials and the visitors aiming to finish on a high note.

Kickoff is set for May 21, 2026.

NK Zeleznicar Maribor enters the match on a two-game winning streak, most recently defeating Mura U19 1-0 on Monday. The club has posted a 7-3-1 record in its past 11 matches, with the sole defeat a 2-1 loss to Brinje Grosup U19 on April 13. Zeleznicar has been strong defensively, allowing more than one goal only twice in that span, and its attack has been steady, scoring at least twice in six of those contests.

NK Aluminij U19, meanwhile, is coming off a 1-0 victory over Brinje Grosuplje on Wednesday, snapping a three-game winless skid that included losses to Brinje Grosup U19, Celje U19 and Bravo U19. The team has shown firepower, scoring six goals against NK Rudar Velenje U19 on May 3, but consistency has been an issue, with six losses and four wins since December.

The clubs met Nov. 24, 2025, with NK Zeleznicar Maribor winning 2-1 at NK Aluminij U19.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, forecasting a 3-2 victory for the home side.

NK Zeleznicar Maribor has relied on balanced scoring, with multiple players finding the net in recent wins. Forward Luka Horvat has been a key contributor, while defender Miha Krajnc has anchored the back line.

NK Aluminij U19 will look to midfielder Jaka Novak, who scored in the win over Brinje Grosuplje, to spark the attack.

The 1. Mladinska Liga, Slovenia’s top youth league, has seen tight competition this spring, and Thursday’s matchup carries implications for final standings. A win for Zeleznicar would strengthen its grip on the division lead, while Aluminij could climb into the upper half of the table with a victory.

Both teams are expected to field full-strength lineups. No injuries or suspensions have been reported.