This week marks the start of the qualifying rounds for Europe’s three major competitions.
The highly anticipated week in the European lightweights’ calendar is just around the corner. Teams from domestic leagues across the continent are gearing up for fierce competition to secure a spot in the league phase.
Below, we’ve highlighted the three most captivating matchups of the upcoming round.
Flora Tallinn vs NK Celje (CL)
On Tuesday, the champions of Estonia and the champions of Slovenia will go head to head in a crucial Champions League qualifying match. Despite this appearing to be a regular qualifying fixture, both teams had remarkably parallel seasons last year. After completing 36 matches, they both concluded their campaigns with an impressive 79 points each. This sets the stage for an enthralling encounter, as the two teams appear to be evenly matched in terms of quality.
Elfsborg vs Pafos FC (UEL)
Now, who doesn’t love a European underdog? Pafos FC, a relatively new team that was only established just 10 years ago, has made an impressive climb to near the top of the Cypriot football pyramid. Despite finishing in the bottom half of the table for six consecutive years, last year, they achieved an incredible fourth position. However, their participation in European football this year is not due to this climb. Pafos achieved a historic victory by winning the Cypriot Cup for the first time, defying all odds and securing a spot in the Europa League knockout phase.
On Tuesday, the team will face Elfsborg, who narrowly missed out on the Swedish league title due to goal difference. This week, an unseeded UEFA side will go up against the second-best team in Sweden. It promises to be an exciting and entertaining match.
Caernarfon vs Crusaders (UECL)
In a historic match-up, two teams from the home nations will face each other in the qualifying rounds for the first time since Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Cliftonville in 2013/14. Caernarfon, a Welsh team, will make their European debut after qualifying through the playoffs by defeating Penybont in the final. Their opponent, Crusaders, is a seasoned European competitor from Northern Ireland, having participated in Europe 11 times out of the last 12 occasions. However, despite their experience, Crusaders have often struggled to progress past the second qualifying round.
This upcoming match is sure to capture the attention of fans across the islands, and it’ll most likely be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
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