Europa League - Start of 3rd qualifying round - Second legs: European Dreams on the line
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Midtjylland vs. Fredrikstad: Newcomers in a tough spot in the return leg
Midtjylland can dream of a spot in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers thanks to their impressive showing in the first leg of the third qualifying round against Fredrikstad.
The club from Denmark had no trouble asserting its dominance in the first half. They stormed to a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from Franculino and Mikel Gogorza. It wasn't until substitute Denil Castillo hammered the final nail in the coffin with his effort in the 79th minute to make it 3-1 at the sound of the final whistle.
Fredrikstad have a lot of huffing and puffing to do in the return leg if they are to overturn a two-goal deficit. In reality, that will be a tough assignment. Our Sportytrader betting experts are vouching for their demise this Thursday. For analysis on this game, head on over to our Midtjylland vs. Fredrikstad prediction.
Brann vs. Hacken: Saevar Magnusson is out to haunt Hacken again
With a capacity seating of 16,750, the Brann Stadion is expected to come to life this Thursday as a Scandinavian clash is on offer in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round.
Brann, being in unfamiliar territory in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, did not distract them from their ultimate goal to win. A goal in either half from Saevar Magnusson was enough to see the visiting team secure a 2-0 victory, bringing them closer to booking their spot in the playoff round.
Hacken finds themselves in a tricky position heading into the return leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. A team known for its quick transitions was outplayed 2-0 in the first leg by Brann in front of their home crowd.
Can the Svenska Cup winners produce a masterclass performance and overturn the two-goal deficit? Let's find out what our betting experts have to say in the Brann vs. Hacken prediction.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Panathinaikos: All to play for in the return leg
Shakhtar Donetsk had a frustrating night against Panathinaikos in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round last Thursday. The writing was on the wall for a comfortable win for the Ukrainian visitors, but they failed to read the room.
At the sound of the final whistle, the score reads 0-0. However, the result could have been different heading into the second leg if it wasn't for Dmytro Riznyk, who made seven crucial saves.
For Panathinaikos, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make their first appearance in the main draw of the UEFA Europa League for the first time since 2023-24. In other words, this is a do-or-die situation with everything on the line.
Can the Greens outsmart Shakhtar Donetsk on their turf? Let's find out what our SportyTrader betting experts have to say in the Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Panathinaikos prediction.
Braga vs. CFR Cluj: Os Arcebispos are out to protect their one-goal lead
Teenage sensation Gorby turned out to be Braga's savior in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. The 23-year-old scored in the first and second halves to guide his team to a narrow 2-1 victory over CFR Cluj.
There's still a lot to do for Os Arcebispos heading into the second leg if they are to progress to the playoff round. CFR Cluj, on the other hand, will be underdogs in the return leg, and their away form could be a contributing factor to their demise. They have navigated four matches without a win across all competitions.
Will this mark the end of CFR Cluj's journey in the UEFA Europa League, or will they be able to mount a comeback and cause an upset? Let's find out what our SportyTrader betting experts have to say in the Braga vs. CFR Cluj prediction.
Check out other second-leg UEFA Europa League third qualifying fixtures:
- KuPS vs RFS (1st leg result: 2-1)
- Noah vs Lincoln Red Imps (1st leg result: 1-1)
- Wolfsberger vs PAOK (1st leg result: 1-1)
- Breidablik vs Zrinjski (1st leg result: 1-1)
- Drita vs FCSB (1st leg result: 2-3)
- Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hamrun (1st leg result: 2-1)
- FC Utrecht vs Servette (1st leg result: 3-1)
- Legia Warszawa vs AEK Larnaca (1st leg result: 1-4)
