There are still six matches to play. Then the final qualifying round of the 2022-23 Europa League will go into the archives and we will know the names of the 20 teams who will compete for the last play-off passes before the eagerly awaited group stage draw, where Italy’s Roma and Lazio have already qualified. The remaining return matches of the third round will be played on Thursday, 11 August. Shkupi and Shamrock Rovers have moved up a few days: the Irish once again got the better of the Macedonian side and will now face Ferencvaros, ‘relegated’ from the Champions League.
Few surprises characterised the first leg, but among them we cannot fail to mention the clear-cut 2-0 victory of Finnish side HJK at home to Slovenian side Maribor. It was a heavy victory that brought Toni Koskela’s men significantly closer to the next round. HJK made the most of their improved physical condition – the championship in Finland is in full swing – and in front of their own fans they should be able to defend the result of seven days ago, in a challenge in which Maribor are also likely to find the way of the goal this time.
Fenerbahçe redeemed the disappointment suffered three weeks ago in the Champions League by overwhelming Slovacko with goals: the return match should be a formality for Jorge Jesus’ team, which at the same time will run the risk of relaxing too much and conceding at least one goal in the Czechs’ home game. It is a similar story for Willy Gnonto’s Zurich, who beat Linfield 0-2 in the first leg to secure qualification. At least three goals in total also in Dudelange-Malmo: the Swedes could again exalt themselves in Luxembourg after their resounding 3-0 success at the Eleda Stadion. A great balance looms in Slovan Bratislava-Olympiacos. The reigning Greek champions, already out of the Champions League, disappointed again by being stopped at home (1-1) by the Slovaks.
Now they will need to win away to avoid another setback: there should be no shortage of goals in Bratislava. Another potential high-scoring match between Partizan and AEK Larnaca: the Belgrade outfit need to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat in Cyprus and, despite a poor first leg, have the potential to turn things around.
Europa League 2022/2023: likely winners
Fenerbahçe or draw (in Slovakia-Fenerbahçe, 7pm)
Zurich (in Zurich-Linfield, 19:00)
Malmo (in Dudelange-Malmo, 20:00)
Slovan Bratislava or draw (in Slovan Bratislava-Olympiacos, 20:30)
Partizan (in Partizan-AEK Larnaca, 21:00)
The matches with at least one goal per team
HJK-Maribor, 18:00
Slovakia v Fenerbahçe, 19:00
Slovan Bratislava-Olympiacos, 20:30
The matches with at least three goals in total
Zurich-Linfield, 7pm
Dudelange-Malmo, 20:00
Partizan-AEK Larnaca, 21:00