Conference League - Play-offs begin - All or Nothing in the Second legs
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Fredrikstad vs. Crystal Palace: The Eagles have a one-goal lead to protect
Despite a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round, Fredrikstad is actually relieved that the damage wasn't greater, considering they were dominated in all aspects of the game.
In reality, a 1-0 deficit isn't much of a big deal, especially if you have the backing of 12000 supporters behind you. However, their display in the first leg, particularly in the final third, could lead to their demise in the return leg.
Can the Norwegian side put on a convincing showing in the final third and overturn a one-goal deficit? Let's find out what our betting experts have to say in our Fredrikstad vs. Crystal Palace prediction.
Crystal Palace has made peace with the fact that they won't be competing in the UEFA Europa League this season. The Eagles, after winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, were granted the opportunity to compete in Europe's second-tier competition.
However, a breach of multi-club ownership saw them being demoted to the UEFA Europa Conference League after losing the appeal.
Oliver Glasner's men were drawn against Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winning goal in the 54th minute, ending the business day with a 1-0 victory.
The stats, however, pointed towards a dominant victory, with the team registering a whopping 25 shots at goal and having 2.31 xG compared to their opponents' 0.60.
Brondby vs. Strasbourg: All to play for at Brondby Stadion
The clash between Brondby and Strasbourg may not carry much weight on paper, but for the two teams involved, it can turn out to be a history-making moment. For more analysis on this match, head on over to our Brondby vs Strasbourg prediction.
Brondby has fallen short in recent years when it comes to reaching the group/league stage of any European competition. You will have to go back to the 2021-22 edition for their last appearance.
This was in the UEFA Europa League, and it was a dreadful showing as they finished at the bottom of the table in Group A.
Strasbourg has never reached the group/league stage of any European competition and is trying to change all that in the second leg.
Liam Rosenior's men failed to complete the job in the first leg in front of their home crowd despite being the dominating side for the entire game. It was a wasteful display in the final third for the French side, as their eight shots on target registered from 21 attempts amounted to nothing.
A trip to Brondby Stadion presents a tough hurdle, as they are going to be greeted by a hostile crowd.
Mainz vs. Rosenborg: Bo Henriksen's men are in a tricky position
Mainz did not go through the preliminary rounds to get to the playoff round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Instead, their participation in this round was made possible because of their sixth-place finish in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season.
Despite this, Mainz find themselves in a tough spot, heading into the second leg of the playoff round. The German side is aiming to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit. That outcome would have left them ruing their chances.
Bo Henriksen's men took the lead first thanks to Nadiem Amiri's effort in the first 26 minutes. They couldn't protect their one-goal advantage as they conceded a penalty in the 43rd minute and a late Ole Saeter effort to suffer defeat on the road.
Rosenborg's task heading into the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round is simple. Protect their one-goal lead and earn their spot in the competition's main draw.
The club from Norway had a never-say-die attitude in the first leg against Mainz and battled from a goal down to secure a narrow 2-1 home victory. They were a threat in the final third, and combining that with their tenacity will be the perfect formula for success on foreign soil.
Can Rosenborg protect their one-goal lead in the return leg, or will Mainz stun them in front of their home crowd? Let's find out what our betting experts have to say in the Mainz vs. Rosenborg prediction.
Fixtures: More to watch out for
- Noah vs Ljubljana (4-1)
- Omonia vs Wolfsberger (1-2)
- Besiktas vs Lausanne (1-1)
- RFS vs Hamrun (0-1)
- SK Rapid vs Gyor (1-2)
- AZ Alkmaar vs Levski Sofia (2-0)
- CFR Cluj vs Hacken (2-7)
- Univ. Craiova vs Basaksehir (2-1)
- AEK Athens vs Anderlecht (1-1)
- Arda vs Rakow (0-1)
- Differdange vs Drita (1-2)
- Fiorentina vs Polissya Zhytomyr (3-0)
- Ostrava vs Celje (0-1)
- Rayo Vallecano vs Neman (1-0)
- Dinamo Tirana vs Jagiellonia (0-3)
- Linfield vs. Shelbourne (1-3)
- Legia vs Hibernian (2-1)
- Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk (1-1)
- Shamrock Rovers vs Santa Clara (2-1)
- Virtus vs Breidablik (1-2)
