Tip: Kairat win or draw
Kairat boasts an excellent home record in this season’s Champions League qualification – five wins from five matches, including a turnaround against KuPS after losing the first leg. Their stadium in Almaty is a fortress, where they overpower opponents with high tempo and aggressive pressing. The attack relies on the trio of Satpaev, Jorginho, and Gromyko, who can decide the game in the first half. While Slovan entered the qualification confidently against Zrinjski and has a very experienced squad, they tend to be more vulnerable away from home, especially against physically strong teams. On home soil, Kairat has a great chance to at least avoid defeat and take a solid position into the return leg.
Tip: Red Bull Salzburg win
Salzburg comes into this match after a convincing progression past Brann, where they decided the tie already in the away first leg. Although they recorded an unnecessary stumble in the league against Reid, their attacking quality is enormous, and Thomas Letsch’s young team is capable of quick transitions and clinical finishing. Brugge enters the qualification at this stage, having already suffered a surprising league loss to Mechelen. The Belgian side has dangerous individuals such as Vanaken and Forbs but tends to be less productive away from home against top opponents. The home advantage, Salzburg’s high tempo, and aggressive pressing should be decisive, making the Austrians favorites for the first leg.
Tip: Ludogorets win
Ludogorets has come through two challenging qualifying rounds, both decided in extra time, but each time they showed mental strength and the ability to handle key moments. Rui Mota’s side is traditionally very strong at home and has more than one player capable of deciding games – five different goalscorers in qualification underline the depth of their attacking options. Ferencvaros is in good form and unbeaten this season, but they often concede away from home and can make defensive mistakes under pressure. Against such an experienced opponent, who thrives under pressure and has strong home support, the Hungarian champions face a tough task, and the first leg should belong to the hosts.
Tip: Crvena zvezda win
Lech has made an excellent start to qualification with an aggregate score of 8-1 against Breidablik and boasts a great home record in Europe, but now faces a team of a completely different caliber. Crvena zvezda is on a roll, with four competitive wins in a row and a combined score of 17-2, possessing an attacking force that can decide games in the first half. The Katai–Ivanic duo, supported by the dangerous Duarte, can break down any defense. The Polish side will rely on the crowd and quick transitions, but the quality and big-match experience clearly favor the Serbian champions.
Tip: Both teams to score
Feyenoord will take to De Kuip with strong backing from their home crowd, which traditionally creates a fierce atmosphere in European competitions. Under Robin van Persie, the team plays bold, attack-minded football with high pressing, as they recently proved in an emphatic 4-0 win over Wolfsburg. However, earlier defeats to Nice and Liefering and draws against Gent and Royale Union SG showed that their defensive phase is far from flawless. Fenerbahce under Mourinho combine solid defence with quick counter-attacks, and with players like Edin Džeko, Dušan Tadić and Ryan Kent, they are a constant threat going forward. The Turkish side has scored in each of their last five matches, and their big-game experience could prove valuable in Rotterdam. A balanced, high-tempo match is expected, with attacking quality on both sides leading to goals for both teams.
Tip: Benfica win
Nice starts their new season with this high-intensity match, which could be a disadvantage against a well-prepared and cohesive opponent. The French side has strengthened with Jansson and Diouf, but last season’s European results exposed defensive weaknesses and inconsistency. Benfica comes into this after winning the Super Cup against Sporting and has Pavlidis in excellent form, having scored in his last six Champions League matches. The Portuguese side has an experienced squad, high quality in transitions, and disciplined defending. Despite Nice’s home setting, Benfica is the favorite to take the win in the first leg.