Gone are the days of expecting 30+ teams to compete in the qualifiers. We are almost near the League Phase. This 3rd qualifying round brings us some of the dramatic moments we have yet to witness. Previously, in the second qualifying round, we saw Dynamo Kyiv’s astounding dominance in both legs. They kept Hamrun under zero in both matches, ultimately pushing them to the Europa League. Another impressive feat was Lech Poznań’s cool victory walk, as they had the highest aggregate in the round. Fans couldn’t get enough of the dribbles and passes. But lucky you, this week has the same energetic matchups bringing even more sport to your television. It’s difficult not to love the top players even if you’re not a traditional football fan. As each day passes, the Champions League Playoffs fever is getting more intense. So, get your UEFA Champions League updates on time.
UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round – Recap
The second qualifying round leg 2 has finished already, and the winners have been promoted to the third qualifying round. To predict the upcoming fixtures, we need to look back at how teams performed in the past. Let’s see the highlights of the Champions League Second Qualifying Round.
Unpredictable Game
The fixture between Zrinjski and Slovan Bratislava went so confidently for the Slovaks until the second half. For a moment, the game became mayhem for the Slovakian squad in the second half. Zrinjski scored two goals within 10 minutes, controlling the ball more determinedly. At that moment, Bratislava tried to sustain the momentum that could have tied the match. However, Slovan Bratislava quickly responded and scored a goal in the 80th minute, restoring the hopes of winning the round.
The Best Part
M. Tel Aviv and Pafos’ match was drawn in the first leg 1 of the second qualifying round. This outcome has led to a situation where the team must score the early goal to win the round. As soon as the game started, both teams rushed to score their first goal to gain an edge. In the pursuit of an early score, M. Tel Aviv got a red card, weakening their confidence. Pafos scored a goal at the 40th minute, setting the advantage they should defend till the end. Eventually, they protected their lead and won the game with precision.
Seamless Win
Lech Poznań effortlessly won Breiðablik as they set their comfort threshold in the first leg. The Polish team had no business scoring at that point, even though they did. They focused only on defense, determined not to concede a goal. At the 29th minute, Lech scored another goal, further reducing the prospects for Breiðablik. Finally, the match ended in a predetermined victory for Lech Poznań. If you regularly follow every major league of football, then you need this.
What to Expect in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round
The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 third qualifying round marks a significant step in the Champions League. This stage will bring teams closer to the lucrative League Phase, which is now just two matches away. After the league phase, they have the playoffs. Therefore, this match will be more thrilling as teams race against each other to secure the spot. Additionally, we can see the teams with home advantage trying to score higher to gain the lead. Despite the coefficient rankings, qualifying matches are known for their surprising nature. Underdogs can thrive in this stage. Therefore, we can also expect surprises and disappointments in the Champions League Qualifiers. Every sports enthusiast reads our exclusive predictions and updates from Bettingpremier. Click the above link to become one of them!
Third Qualifying Round – Predictions
Malmö vs Copenhagen
Malmö will face Copenhagen in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on 05 August 2025. The match will take place at the Eleda Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Malmö will clash with Copenhagen, aka the Lions, as the hosts. In this Champions League clash, both teams exhibit decent potential. However, their previous match outcomes give the Lions an edge. Recently, Copenhagen FC defeated Drita in both legs, scoring a 3-0 aggregate. Additionally, Copenhagen maintains a clean sheet in their recent matches.
On the other hand, Malmös has had a strong opening to the season. They have also won seven previous matches. Moreover, the Swedish squad boasts a strong attacking power at home. Even though they have a substantial home advantage, Copenhagen’s away form may counter Malmö’s threats. However, the unbeaten status and home advantage will favor Malmö in this Champions League matchup.
Shkendija vs Qarabag FK
Shkendija will face Qarabag FK in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on 05 August 2025. Toše Proeski Arena will host the clash at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Qarabag FK possesses superior European experience. They are consistent in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. Qarabag’s lineup is deep and performs well under pressure. The Azerbaijani team can adapt technically if the match gets tough. Moreover, they have tactical discipline, with more clean sheets.
On the other hand, Shkendija is defensively vulnerable. As seen in recent matches, they often concede against higher-level opposition. In addition, they lack significant game experience; only a few players have reached this far earlier. With only a few good players in the squad, they risk squad depth if a player gets marked out. They also struggle to maintain possession under pressure, which indicates fewer chances for Shkendija. As a result, Qarabag FK will easily edge out Shkendija in this Champions League fixture.
Dynamo Kyiv vs Pafos
Dynamo Kyiv locks horns with Pafos in the Champions League qualifiers on 05 August 2025. Kickoff is set for 02:00 p.m. ET at Lublin Arena.
Prediction
Dynamo Kyiv is offensively strong enough to break Pafos’ defenses. Dynamo recently crushed Hamrun in both legs with a substantial aggregate difference. They delivered an outstanding performance in their domestic league, indicating their consistency after the second leg. Additionally, they have the psychological edge of having both legs by a huge aggregate difference.
Conversely, Pafos is an emerging football club that has yet to experience more European matches before becoming a veteran club. Considering Pafos’s recent form, Dynamo Kyiv has more improved outcomes. Pafos has struggled with mixed results in its last five matches. Therefore, Dynamo Kyiv is the favorite to win this Champions League clash.
Rangers vs Viktoria Plzeň
Rangers will play Viktoria Plzeň in the UEFA Champions League third round on 05 August 2025. The game will be played at 02:45 p.m. ET at Ibrox Stadium.
Prediction
The Czech club Viktoria Plzeň opened the 2025 UEFA Champions League well by winning Severette substantially. Even though they went 0 in the first leg, their last match against Sevette indicates their tactical approach. Their offensive flair has improved in the previous game. Lastly, their current form is more proactive and tactical.
The Rangers are no less or greater than Plzeň. However, the last two matches and current form make a slight difference. Previously, Rangers won Panathinaikos by a 3-1 aggregate. Although they have a higher ball possession rate and pass accuracy, Plzeň’s recent form will play equally against the Rangers. Considering both sides, this close contest will favor the Rangers, given their consistency.
Kairat vs Slovan Bratislava
Kairat hosts Slovan Bratislava on 06 August 2025 in the UEFA Champions League qualification match. The match begins at 11:00 a.m. ET at Ortalyk Stadion.
Prediction
Kairat is favored to win, as it has a home advantage and a record of 4 out of 7 wins. Their average score is 2.11 per home game, which shows their solid defense. Kairat plans to capitalize on their home advantage by setting a strong tone in the first leg.
In contrast, Slovan Bratislava also has a strong attack, with an average of 2.31 goals per game overall. However, their poor away match outcomes show their lack of consistency. They needed to overcome a two-goal deficit before winning in the previous game. Slovan Bratislava is a strong opponent with a dominant record in their league. However, Kairat’s home advantage makes them the likely winner in this first leg.
RB Salzburg vs Club Brugge
RB Salzburg meets Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on 06 August 2025. Red Bull Arena will see action from 01:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Red Bull Salzburg dominates most European matches played at home. They secured a 4-1 away win recently in the qualifiers. Additionally, they defeated Club Brugge at home in 2019. Although it has been years since the victory, this adds a little edge to Salzburg.
However, Club Brugge is a solid contender with a potent offense, which averaged 2.15 per game in the previous season. Additionally, they have strong individual players like Simon Mignolet and Hans Vanaken. As a result, this UEFA Champions League match will be a close contest. Salzburg’s home advantage and past performance suggest a narrow win for RB Salzburg.
Ludogorets Razgrad vs Ferencvárosi TC
Ludogorets Razgrad will face Ferencvárosi TC in the Champions League qualifiers on 06 August 2025. The game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. ET at Ludogorets Arena.
Prediction
Ludogorets will host the first leg; they have the home advantage this time. Ferencvárosi has the upper hand in the head-to-head matches, as they have won twice with a draw. Yet Ludogorets is not consistent, having not scored any in the first leg. Conversely, Ferencvárosi won in both legs with a higher aggregate score.
Ferencvárosi’s performance has been tactical in both previous matches. Their possession, passes, and accuracy were exceptional in the stats, comparatively. They also tend to score early in the game. Ludogorets’ home advantage may provide a slight edge, but Ferencvárosi’s offensive threat is undeniable. Therefore, Ferencvárosi will beat Ludogorets in this Champions League match.
Lech Poznań vs Crvena Zvezda
Lech Poznań challenges Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers on 06 August 2025. Estadio Municipal de Poznań will witness the kickoff at 02:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Lech Poznań exhibited a top-tier performance in the first leg. Their offensive stats are intimidating, with outstanding ball possession and accuracy rates. However, their last five matches highlight their unreliable form. However, they have scored high in their home matches historically.
Crvena Zvezda is stronger, as we saw in their recent matches. They won three of their five games and drew one. Zvezda also secured a competitive spot in their domestic league and has displayed strong attacking capabilities. The Serbian team scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in the 2025 UEFA Champions League. Even though Lech Poznań’s home advantage may threaten them, FK Crvena Zvezda’s strong form will favor them to win.
Feyenoord vs Fenerbahçe
Feyenoord hosts Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on 06 August 2025. De Kuip will stage the match, which will kick off at 03:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction
This first leg is scheduled at home for Feyenoord, giving them a slight advantage in terms of offense. However, recent stats expose their mixed form, including defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent matches were reasonable. Yet, Fenerbahçe performed excellently overall.
With a strong preseason and domestic league performances, Fenerbahçe brings its disciplined and attentive gameplay to the fixture. As the match is away for Fenerbahçe, they will try to score closely or even take a lead against Feyenoord. This UEFA Champions League match will be a tight and unpredictable contest. However, Feyenoord is favored for a narrow win.
Benfica vs Nice
Benfica will play Nice in the UEFA Champions League third round on 06 August 2025. The fixture will be played at 03:00 p.m. ET at Allianz Riviera Stadium.
Prediction
Benfica vs. Nice is a crucial matchup for both teams aiming to qualify for the group stage. With a rich European experience and a solid squad depth, Benfica has an advantage in winning this fixture. However, we cannot underestimate Nice’s resilience and tactical prowess.
Benfica is expected to take advantage of their home record in the first leg at home. They might try to exploit Nice’s defensive vulnerabilities. Above all, Benfica is an elite team that has played against top European clubs. A tight match is anticipated, with Benfica slightly favored to advance in this Champions League match.
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