This week's European qualifiers
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Champions League: Second Qualifying Round
The first leg of the second qualifying round in the Champions League has already delivered a few incredible results, with teams like Dynamo Kyiv, Ferencvaros and Jagiellonia Bialystok all as good as through to the next stage of the competition.
However, there are still plenty of matches still hanging in the balance and a few surprises likely to unfold.
Fenerbahce need to get the job done at home
Turkish giants Fenerbahce came into this tie off the back of a sensational league season where they posted an incredible 99 points, yet somehow, did not win the title. Nevertheless, they were massive favourites entering this contest but things did not go all their own way in Switzerland last week. The first leg delivered an incredible seven goals, with the Yellow Canaries scoring four, setting this tie up for a grandstand finish.
Lugano's never-say-die attitude was never more evident than in the first leg, as they kept plugging away even when they went two goals down. A goal four minutes into stoppage time by Milton Valenzuela trimmed the deficit to just one, and if Bianconeri can sneak an early opener here, a major upset could be on the cards. However, it's never an easy task to go to Istanbul and come away with a result.
Not sure which way this match will go? Let our expert's Champions League predictions point you in the right direction.
Celje to secure first-ever third-round berth?
Arguably the pick of the first-leg matchups, Celje and Slovan Bratislava could not be separated in Slovenia last week. The Counts took an unexpected early lead through David Strelec but their advantage lasted just four minutes until Slovan drew level. Celje have never got past the second round of qualifying in the Champions League but they’ve stayed in this tie and it’s still anyone’s game. The longer this match goes, the more it will favour the visitors.
Slovan Bratislava played a full hour of the first leg with just 10 players after Kyriakos Savvidis was sent for an early shower due to a poor tackle. Still, the Sky Blues showed their resilience to hang on to a draw on the road and they will now look to boss the game back on their home patch. However, Celje proved last week that they are not to be underestimated and Vladimir Weiss’ men will need to try and put this game to bed as early as possible.
Europa League: Second Qualifying Round
In contrast to the Champions League, the first leg of the second qualifying round in the Europa League saw much closer contests with all nine ties still anyone’s for the taking. Two matches are still locked level, five are separated by just one goal and only three teams have a two-goal deficit to make up.
Here are a couple of big ones to keep an eye on:
Sheriff plot comeback against Elfsborg
Sheriff Tiraspol have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, reaching the group stage of the European competition in each of the last three seasons, including back-to-back in the Europa League. However, their hat-trick of qualifications is currently at risk after suffering a 1-0 loss at the Boras Arena in Elfsborg last week. The Wasps also conceded a shock home loss in the last round to Zira and cannot afford another slip-up this week.
IF Elfsborg got the job done on their home patch last week thanks to a late penalty by Simon Hedlund and a clean sheet in this match will guarantee them a spot in the next round. The Yellow Ones have made it to the main draw in Europe twice in the past and have got themselves in an advantageous position to do so again. The big question is - can they defend their slender lead? Check out our expert’s Europa League prediction for this potential nail-biter.
Kilmarnock to keep their European dreams alive
Scottish Premiership representatives, Kilmarnock managed to eke out a 1-1 draw in front of a packed house at Rugby Park last week thanks to two South Ayrshire stars in David Watson and Robbie McCrorie. Watson scored the all-important equaliser in the 70th minute, and McCrorie was in fine form between the sticks for Killie, pulling off several impressive saves to keep his side in the tie.
However, Cerle Brugge were undoubtedly the better side in the first leg and are heavily fancied to get the result here at Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium. The Groen en Zwart opened the scoring in the tie through Kazeem Olaigbe just before the hour mark, and while they would have preferred a lead heading into their home leg, keeping the match at level pegging will still feel like a favourable result for the Belgian Pro League outfit.
Read our expert's Europa League tips
Europa Conference League: Second Qualifying Round
The first leg in the second round of Conference League qualifiers delivered a few huge scorelines with the likes of Legia Warszawa, Brondby and Istanbul Basaksehir smashing in six goals each, all but guaranteeing their spot in the next round. But, there's still loads of actions to come in this competition.
Another goal fest expected between Inter Club d’Escaldes and AEK?
Three-time Primera Divisio champions Inter Club d'Escaldes put on one of the performances of their lives, coming from 4-0 down and on the verge of elimination to entering their home leg just one goal down and still alive in the tie after an incredible second half in Athens. Indeed, Inter are still trailing by a goal but the wind is well and truly beneath their sails and they will have a full house at Camp d'Esports d'Aixovall cheering them on.
AEK Athens will be wondering how they are not out of sight in this tie, having bossed the first leg virtually from the first whistle. Prior to the first match, many suggested this could be the most lopsided tie of the round, but the Super League side have to now keep their wits about them or they could be making a premature exit from Europe this season. Read our Europa Conference League predictions for a full analysis of this crucial matchup.
