Champions League, the remaining seven matches close the first qualifying round: news and predictions.
The first qualifying round of the next Champions League concludes. On Wednesday evening we will have the names of the 15 teams who will advance to the next round, to which other clubs who have won their respective leagues such as Galatasaray, Copenhagen, Molde, Aris Limassol and Dinamo Zagreb have already qualified.
Whoever fares worse at the end of the double-header will be relegated to the Conference League and will have to take part in the next preliminary round. Among the most surprising results a week ago was Ludogorets’ defeat in Kosovo against Ballkani. The reigning Bulgarian champions, who last season contested Roma’s qualification to the knockout phase in the Europa League, are in danger of a resounding elimination after their 2-0 loss in the first leg against the Kosovars. Ivaylo Petev’s men wasted numerous goal-scoring chances, unlike the more cynical Ballkani, who on the contrary capitalised on everything they were able to build. The defeat obviously upset the Ludogorets players, who started with a bad knockout in the league last Friday, losing 3-1 at home to Krumovgrad. It will not be easy now to win by at least two goals. But from the green-and-whites, with their backs to the wall, this time we expect a different attitude, more unprejudiced right from the first minutes.
Ferencvaros obliged to win
It was supposed to be a walk in the park for Azerbaijan’s Qarabag against the Lincoln Red Imps. Instead, the Caucasians won ‘only’ 2-1 in the UK’s overseas territory. At home, however, we will witness a different kind of match. In fact, Qarabag should dominate more decisively than seven days ago: at least three goals in total.
Cherchesov, Ferencvaros coach
Home air will also do Ferencvaros good, who in the remote Faroe Islands did not go beyond a disappointing 1-1 draw against a tough Klaksvik side. The Hungarians will not slip up again and with the help of their warm crowd will bring home the qualification in a match that promises goals aplenty. A week ago, Slovan Bratislava did not enchant either, stopped in Slovakia by the Luxembourg side Swift Hesperange. An opponent that proved to be tougher than expected, but in the return match the Slovaks should re-establish the balance of power. Another balanced challenge between Dinamo Tbilisi and Astana, who drew 1-1 in the first leg, is expected. Helsinki’s HJK, who got the better of Larne 1-0 in the first round, should also avoid defeat.
Champions League: likely winners
- Dinamo Tbilisi or draw (in Dinamo Tbilisi-Astana, 6pm)
- Ludogorets (in Ludogorets-Ballkani, 20:00)
- Slovan Bratislava (in Swift Hesperange-Slovan Bratislava, 20:00)
- HJK or draw (in Larne-HJK, 20:30)
