UEFA Conference League: First Leg of Play-Offs Begin With 48-Team Showdown
by Geoffrey Ejiga
What to Expect From the Play-Offs
The play-off round represents the final hurdle before the main event. It’s a melting pot where teams from diverse European leagues vie for one of 24 play-off spots in the 36-team league phase. This stage sees the winners of the previous qualifying rounds meet clubs that either start their European campaign here or have dropped down from the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
For the victors, a place in the 36-team league phase is secured, guaranteeing a minimum of six high-stakes European matches. For the vanquished, the journey ends here, but the experience and financial reward gained will be invaluable for future domestic seasons. With the ultimate prize of a place in the Europa League for the winner of the tournament, the stakes could not be higher.
Top Conference League Fixtures to Watch
Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad FK
This tie pits a Premier League side with renewed European aspirations against a proud Norwegian club. Crystal Palace enters this contest with a fresh sense of ambition under their new manager. For them, this competition represents a tangible opportunity for another silverware after winning their first major trophy in 119 years. Palace have a strong squad, one that believes they can bring a European trophy back to Selhurst Park.
Fredrikstad, on the other hand, comes into the tie as Norwegian Cup winners and will be looking to cause a massive upset. The Norwegian side will feel they have nothing to lose and everything to gain from a fixture against a more fancied English opponent. While their recent European form has been inconsistent, they possess a gritty determination that has served them well in the past. Check out the Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad FK prediction for expert analysis on the upcoming game.
Anderlecht vs AEK Athens
Not the biggest names in the play-off, but a matchup between Anderlecht and AEK Athens just screams of European pedigree.
Anderlecht, the Belgian giants, have a rich history in continental competitions and view this tournament as a stepping stone back to the upper echelons of European football. After coasting through Sheriff Tiraspol 4-1 on aggregate, the Belgian club will be determined and believe they possess what it takes to lift the trophy come 2026.
Meanwhile, AEK Athens, are a formidable force from Greece and arrive with a reputation for spirited, attacking play. We've already seen what they can do in this competition after dismissing Cyprus giants Aris Lissamol 5-3 on aggregate in the last round. Now, the Greek club will be heading to Belgium and you can expect this match to live up to its billing.
Rosenborg vs 1. FSV Mainz 05
The playoff opener between Rosenborg and Mainz is definitely one for the ages. You can expect Rosenborg, a notoriously high-scoring club to play fearlessly at home or suffer at the hands of the Germans in their own backyard. See our experts’ Rosenborg vs Mainz prediction.
Rosenborg fought long and hard against Hammarby, only emerging victorious thanks to a second leg goal, the only one in this fixture over both legs. Whether they play with caution or not, they’re surely a formidable opponent that can't be overlooked despite being the underdogs.
Their opponents, 1. FSV Mainz 05, who are undefeated in their last ten games, earned an automatic spot in the playoffs after finishing 6th in the Bundesliga. They surely expect to overcome the Rosenborg challenge, but it might not be so easy against a club that's been sharpening their metal during the preseason.
Full Conference League Playoff Fixtures
- Rosenborg BK vs 1. FSV Mainz 05
- Hamrun Spartans vs FC RFS
- Győri ETO FC vs SK Rapid Wien
- BK Häcken vs CFR 1907 Cluj
- Wolfsberg vs Omonoia FC
- İstanbul Başakşehir FK vs FC U Craiova 1948
- Breiðablik vs AC Virtus
- Drita vs FC Differdange 03
- Olimpija vs Noah
- Strasbourg vs Brøndby
- Shakhtar Donetsk vs Servette
- Anderlecht vs AEK Athens
- Celje vs Baník
- Levski Sofia vs AZ Alkmaar
- FC Polissya Zhytomyr vs ACF Fiorentina
- FC Neman Grodno vs Rayo Vallecano
- Sparta Prague vs Riga FC
- Jagiellonia Białystok vs FC Dinamo City
- FC Lausanne-Sport vs Beşiktaş JK
- Shelbourne vs Linfield
- Crystal Palace FC vs Fredrikstad FK
- Raków Częstochowa vs PFC Arda Kardzhali
- Hibernian FC vs Legia Warszawa
- CD Santa Clara vs Shamrock Rovers
