Tip: draw or Ferencváros win
Qarabag brings a promising 3-1 lead into the second leg after overturning an early deficit with three second-half goals in Hungary. Although the Azerbaijani side looked rather passive in the first match and capitalized on few chances, their confidence at home is traditionally high. Coach Qurbanov can rely on a stable defense and the fact that his team regularly wins in European competitions at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. Ferencváros, however, are not without hope – Robbie Keane’s side have played in Baku several times before and each time managed at least a draw. The Hungarian champions boast a quality attack led by Barnabás Varga, who is capable of troubling any defense. Moreover, the visitors are unbeaten in their last eleven away matches, which gives them significant confidence. If they score first, the pressure could shift back onto the hosts. The match promises a balanced contest, but Ferencváros certainly have the quality to secure at least a draw and keep their chances alive until the final moments.
Tip: Benfica win
The first leg in Istanbul ended goalless, so everything will be decided in Lisbon. Benfica hold the advantage of home ground and vast Champions League experience, having reached the knockout rounds last season. Coach Bruno Lage has a deep squad at his disposal and his team are defined by defensive solidity – they have kept six consecutive clean sheets. In attack, the focus will be on Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who is accustomed to scoring in European competition. Fenerbahce under Mourinho rely on the attacking duo En-Nesyri – Durán, but they failed to break down Benfica’s compact defense in the first game. The Turkish side showed strength against Feyenoord, yet they often struggle away from home against elite opposition. Benfica are highly dominant in Lisbon and possess the quality to justify their role as favorites. A tight match is expected, but the Portuguese side should find the breakthrough and secure their place in the group stage.
Tip: Club Brugge win
The Belgian champions are in a commanding position after their 3-1 win at Ibrox in the first leg. The opening twenty minutes in Glasgow exposed the gulf in readiness between the sides, as Brugge raced into a three-goal lead. Rangers did manage to pull one back, but their form under new coach Russell Martin has been inconsistent in both league and cup. By contrast, Brugge have found their rhythm and are on a run of five straight victories. A key figure has been Christos Tzolis, who provided two assists in the first leg and continues to be a decisive player. Rangers’ European away record has been poor for years, with their last Champions League away win by a two-goal margin dating back eighteen years. Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Jan Breydel Stadion, Brugge have the quality to control proceedings. They are expected to confirm their superiority again at home and comfortably seal their qualification.
Tip: draw or Copenhagen win
The first leg in Switzerland ended 1-1, giving the Danish champions a solid platform for progression. Under Jacob Neestrup, Copenhagen remain unbeaten in qualification, having eliminated both Drita and Malmö. Their strength lies in defensive organization and efficient attacking transitions, with Gabriel Pereira particularly influential. Basel returned to Champions League qualifying after a long absence, but failing to win at home puts them in a difficult spot. Led by veteran Xherdan Shaqiri, they carry experience, though recent years have seen them struggle to replicate their former dominance. Copenhagen benefit from home advantage and an impressive run of ten European matches unbeaten. Basel will need to play more openly, which could leave them exposed to FCK’s quick counter-attacks. Given current form and stability, Copenhagen look the more likely side to book their place in the main draw.