UEFA Europa Conference League Matchday 3 Preview (October 23, 2025)

UEFA Europa Conference League Matchday 3 Preview (October 23, 2025) – 23.10. 2025

Hacken vs Rayo Vallecano (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Rayo Vallecano to win

Swedish side Häcken enter the second round of the Conference League encouraged by a four-match unbeaten streak, yet they are still searching for their first-ever victory in the main stage of a European competition. Coach Jens Gustafsson relies on team cohesion and energy, but the absence of several key players, including goalkeeper Abrahamsson and defender Väisänen, could prove costly. Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, are enjoying an exceptionally positive run, having won three consecutive matches without conceding a goal. The Spanish club has also shown improved form in La Liga, with away victories against Real Sociedad and Levante. Their defensive organization and quick transitions led by Álvaro García and Jorge de Frutos give the team both stability and attacking power. Rayo’s record of not conceding a single goal in Europe reflects the growing confidence under coach Iñigo Pérez. Häcken will rely on their home ground and tempo, but the visitors’ defensive solidity is currently at a very high level. If Rayo maintain their recent performances, they should justify their favourite status.

Rapid Vienna vs Fiorentina (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Fiorentina to win

Rapid Vienna will be looking to bounce back from their heavy 1-4 defeat in Poznań and will rely on the passionate support at their Weststadion. Coach Peter Stöger may see attacking potential in forwards Wurmbrand and Mbuyi, but a run of four consecutive losses and a general lack of stability significantly reduce their chances. Fiorentina, on the contrary, gained confidence from their 2-0 European win against Olomouc and remain consistent on the continental stage despite fluctuating Serie A form. Stefano Pioli’s side can count on a strong midfield, where young Cher Ndour has been a standout performer and already decisive in the opening round. The return of Moise Kean boosts their attacking power, while Fiorentina’s back line should be capable of withstanding Rapid’s pressure. Although the Austrian side can be dangerous at home, current form and balance of play favour the Italians. Fiorentina have far greater experience in matches of this kind and should make it count by claiming a victory.

Strasbourg vs Jagiellonia Białystok (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Strasbourg to win

At Stade de la Meinau, two sides that opened their Conference League campaigns with wins will face off. Strasbourg followed up their success in Bratislava with another solid showing in Ligue 1 and are currently riding a wave of positivity. Coach Liam Rosenior has built a compact and attack-minded team led by striker Joaquín Panichelli, the current top scorer in the French league. The home side are enjoying an impressive European unbeaten run of 15 matches. Jagiellonia, however, arrive in outstanding form as well – unbeaten in 17 games and currently leading the Polish Ekstraklasa. The attacking trio of Imaz, Pululu and Cuze constantly threatens opposing defences, but the intimidating atmosphere at La Meinau will be one of their biggest tests this season. Strasbourg have greater squad depth and superior combination play, which should prove decisive. The Polish visitors could be competitive, but they are unlikely to overcome the quality of the French side.

AEK Athens vs Aberdeen (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: AEK Athens to win

AEK Athens return home after a disappointing start to the group stage, losing 1-3 in Celje despite taking the lead. Coach Marko Nikolić’s team showed strength in qualifying, eliminating Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Aris Limassol and Anderlecht, and they possess enough quality and experience to dominate in Athens. Although a league loss to PAOK cooled early enthusiasm, AEK remain exceptionally strong on home soil, where the atmosphere often overwhelms visiting sides. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have revived their form after a dreadful start to the season – two wins in a row, including a dramatic stoppage-time victory over St Mirren – but the difference in overall squad quality is clear. The Scottish side traditionally struggle away from home, especially in intense southern environments like Athens, and their defensive organization tends to collapse under pressure. AEK boast experienced leaders such as Vida, João Mário and Kutesa, with striker Luka Jović expected to exploit the slower Aberdeen back line. The Greek champions are expected to control the match and secure a much-needed home victory to make up for the first-round defeat.

Breidablik vs KuPS (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Double chance 1X (Breidablik to win or draw)

Icelandic side Breidablik will look to bounce back after a heavy 0-3 defeat to Lausanne and regain confidence at their Laugardalsvöllur home ground. Although they finished the Icelandic season only in fourth place, Breidablik traditionally play with tremendous intensity at home, relying heavily on set pieces and pressing. Finnish champions Kuopion Palloseura, meanwhile, began their European group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Drita and play an active, attacking brand of football. Their biggest weapon is collective movement and pace, but they tend to be less convincing away from home. Breidablik may have defensive flaws, yet their aggression and determination on home soil often make the difference. Both teams are relatively even in terms of quality, which suggests a balanced encounter where the home advantage could be decisive. Expect a physical, hard-fought contest in which the Icelanders can at least secure a point.

Drita Gjilan vs Omonia Nicosia (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Drita Gjilan to win

Kosovan side Drita opened their Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw away to KuPS, showing they can compete with stronger opponents through organized defending and quick counterattacks. They are currently enjoying strong domestic form, with recent victories over Gjilani and Malisheva boosting morale and confidence. Omonia Nicosia, on the other hand, began their European run with a 0-1 defeat to Mainz, exposing problems in attack and transitions. The Cypriots usually lose rhythm away from home and often struggle to cope with aggressive opponents. Drita will benefit from the passionate atmosphere at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, where the crowd exerts tremendous pressure on visitors. The squad combines experience and youthful energy, giving the hosts balance and composure. While Omonia may threaten from set pieces, they look less cohesive overall. Drita seem stronger at this moment and highly motivated to record their first group-stage win, which they have every chance to achieve at home.

Rijeka vs Sparta Prague (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Double chance X2 (Sparta to win or draw)

Rijeka’s start to the Conference League was disappointing, as they suffered a 0-1 defeat against Noah, and their league form remains underwhelming, sitting outside the top four domestically. Coach Víctor Sánchez relies on a disciplined defence but lacks attacking spark. Sparta Prague, meanwhile, are enjoying an excellent autumn, leading the Czech league and having dominated Shamrock Rovers 4-1 in Europe. Brian Priske’s men are in outstanding physical and mental condition, even though they will be without several regular starters such as Haraslín and Cobbaut. The Czech champions possess enough squad depth to cope with those absences. Rijeka will look to capitalize on their home advantage, but their attacking output is limited and they will face difficulties against Sparta’s compact structure. The visitors press well, maintain shape, and control tempo effectively. This looks set to be a tight encounter, with the visitors’ superior quality likely to earn them at least a draw, if not a narrow victory.

Shkendija vs Shelbourne (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Shkendija to win

After a promising summer in which they eliminated The New Saints and FCSB during Champions League qualifying, Shkendija opened the group stage with a 0-2 loss at Rayo Vallecano but left a positive impression. At their Toše Proeski Arena, the North Macedonian champions are traditionally formidable, backed by a passionate crowd that creates an intimidating atmosphere. Shelbourne, currently third in the Irish league, are going through a transitional period after the departure of coach Damien Duff but are seeking stability under Joey O’Brien. Their opening 0-0 draw with Häcken was respectable, yet this trip presents a much tougher challenge. The hosts have quality in attack, particularly through Nigerian forward Adamu Alhassan, who is expected to start again. Shelbourne rarely get results away from Ireland, and their defence often falters late in matches. If Shkendija impose their usual high tempo and pressure, they should claim all three points at home.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Legia Warsaw (23.10.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Shakhtar Donetsk to win

Shakhtar Donetsk approach their first home match of the Conference League group stage eager to make a statement after an inconsistent start to their domestic campaign. The Ukrainian giants remain one of the technically strongest teams in the competition, with their attacking play built around Heorhiy Sudakov and forward Danylo Sikan. Playing their European home fixtures in Lublin, Poland, they have adapted well to the conditions and the atmosphere, showing resilience despite being away from Donetsk. Legia Warsaw arrive in poor European form following a disappointing home defeat to Samsunspor and a patchy record in the Ekstraklasa, where defensive errors have repeatedly cost them points. The Polish side rely heavily on Josué for creativity, but their transition play has been too slow against technically superior opposition. Shakhtar’s quicker ball movement, sharper individual quality and European experience should allow them to dominate possession and create several scoring chances. If they maintain intensity, they are expected to secure a deserved victory and strengthen their position in the group.

AZ Alkmaar vs Slovan Bratislava (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: AZ Alkmaar to win

AZ Alkmaar need to restore confidence and collect their first points in the Conference League after a disappointing defeat in Cyprus. They are coming off a brilliant 2-0 victory at Ajax in the Eredivisie, which could mark a turning point. Coach Martens has assembled a young and technically gifted side that traditionally plays attractive attacking football on the European stage. Slovan Bratislava bounced back after losing to Strasbourg, winning two domestic matches in a row to regain momentum. However, the Slovak champions tend to struggle away from home and have failed to beat Dutch sides in recent years. They will also be without suspended coach Vladimir Weiss, which is another tactical setback. AZ boast an impressive record of 12 goals scored in their last three European home games, and their squad quality is clearly superior. A dominant performance and three points for Alkmaar are the most likely outcome.

Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Crystal Palace to win

Selhurst Park will host a clash between two sides that started their European campaigns impressively. Palace beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 and remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League for over eight months. Jean-Philippe Mateta is in the form of his life, with a hat-trick against Bournemouth underlining his status as the team’s main attacking threat. AEK Larnaca stunned everyone with a 4-0 victory over Alkmaar in the opening round, but this time they face a completely different level of opposition – an English side eager to celebrate its first-ever European home match with a win. The Cypriots travel without key forwards Cabrera and Angielski, which significantly weakens their attack. Moreover, their away record in Europe has been poor for years, and Palace’s solid defence should keep them at bay. Coach Oliver Glasner might rotate his squad slightly, but the overall quality remains high. Palace have the momentum and home energy to deliver another memorable European night.

Mainz 05 vs Zrinjski Mostar (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Mainz 05 to win

Mainz began their European journey with a 1-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia, but subsequent Bundesliga results have exposed defensive weaknesses. Bo Henriksen’s side conceded seven goals in their last two league games and have been struggling for confidence at home. Zrinjski Mostar, however, crushed Lincoln 5-0 and travel to Germany on a ten-match unbeaten streak, though the quality of their opposition has been considerably lower. The Bosnian champions rely on their strong back line and the goal-scoring prowess of Bilbija but rarely manage more than one away goal in Europe. Mainz are missing Caci and still lack a clinical finisher following Burkardt’s departure, yet their overall European pedigree should be enough to prevail. The Bundesliga pace and technical superiority are expected to make the difference, especially in the second half. Zrinjski’s discipline could cause moments of resistance, but Mainz’s greater tactical variety should lead them to victory.

Samsunspor vs Dynamo Kyiv (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Samsunspor to win

Samsunspor have impressed both domestically and in Europe with their energy and confidence. After a victory away to Legia Warsaw, the Turkish newcomers to the Conference League are now unbeaten in six matches across all competitions. The attacking duo of Holse and Musaba provides pace and creativity, while coach Thomas Reis has instilled tactical structure and defensive discipline. Dynamo Kyiv, in contrast, are struggling for identity and have gone five matches without a win. The Ukrainian side’s attacking inefficiency and recent European struggles – highlighted by their loss to Crystal Palace – have eroded confidence. The absence of Ángel Torres and the doubtful fitness of Bilovar further limit their defensive options, while striker Guerrero has failed to score in six consecutive games. Backed by a packed stadium and the dream of qualification, the home side are riding a wave of optimism. Dynamo appear psychologically fragile, and Samsunspor have every opportunity to capitalise and record a second straight victory.

Hamrun Spartans vs Lausanne (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Lausanne to win

Hamrun Spartans are living through a historic season as they participate in the group stage of a European competition for the first time in their history. After a narrow 0-1 loss to Jagiellonia in their opening match, they also suffered a domestic setback against Sliema Wanderers. The Maltese champions rely heavily on a disciplined defensive block and the individual brilliance of Joseph Mbong, whose suspension will significantly weaken their attack. Lausanne, by contrast, began their European campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Breidablik and look far more tactically and technically mature. Peter Zeidler’s team operate within a clear system based on high pressing and technically proficient wide play. Despite some inconsistency in the Swiss Super League, the visitors appear more organised, and their physical strength and movement should prove decisive. Lausanne possess both the quality and the competitive rhythm that Hamrun lack and should take all three points from Malta.

Lincoln Red Imps vs Lech Poznań (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Lech Poznań to win

Lincoln Red Imps will be looking to recover from their 0-5 thrashing at the hands of Zrinjski Mostar, but the reality of European competition remains harsh for the Gibraltarian champions. While they possess valuable experience from qualification rounds, their physical condition and tactical level are still several steps below their opponents. Polish champions Lech Poznań, on the other hand, started their campaign convincingly with a 4-1 home victory against Rapid Vienna, showing their attacking prowess led by captain Mikael Ishak. Although Lech’s Ekstraklasa form has been somewhat inconsistent, their attacking quality remains undeniable, and they are expected to exploit Lincoln’s defensive vulnerabilities once again. The visitors will dictate the tempo, press high, and transition quickly into attack. Lincoln will sit deep and hope to threaten from set pieces, but the gulf in class is significant. Lech Poznań should confirm their superiority and secure a comfortable away win.

Shamrock Rovers vs Celje (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Celje to win

Irish champions Shamrock Rovers will aim to restore pride after a 1-4 defeat to Sparta Prague, but another tough opponent awaits. The hosts benefit from the atmosphere in Tallaght Stadium, yet their recurring defensive errors and slow attacking transitions remain problematic. Slovenian side Celje, under coach Albert Riera, play a modern, attacking brand of football that earned them a 3-1 victory over AEK Athens in the opening round. The team are in fine form, with four wins from their last five matches, and possess a dynamic attacking unit led by Croatian forward Franko Kovačević, who netted a hat-trick against AEK. Shamrock Rovers rely heavily on their fighting spirit, but in Europe they often lose focus defensively. Celje have greater technical quality and faster ball circulation, which should allow them to control the match. With confidence and form on their side, the Slovenians have a very realistic chance to claim a second straight win.

Sigma Olomouc vs Raków Częstochowa (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Double chance X2 (Raków to win or draw)

Sigma Olomouc will try to get on the board after a 0-2 loss in Florence, but their form remains shaky. The Czech side have won only two of their last eleven matches and have failed to score in five consecutive European fixtures. The absence of several key players, including Michez and Kliment, further limits their attacking options. Raków Częstochowa, by contrast, began the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Universitatea Craiova and continue to impress away from home, having won four straight European away games. Coach Marek Papszun has built a disciplined, compact team capable of hitting on the break through striker Jonatan Braut Brunes. Sigma generally perform better at home, but facing such a well-organised and physically strong opponent will be a major challenge. A draw or narrow away win appears the most likely outcome.

Universitatea Craiova vs Noah (23.10.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Universitatea Craiova to win

Romanian side Universitatea Craiova opened their group campaign with a 0-2 loss to Raków but bounced back over the weekend with a 3-1 domestic victory against Unirea Slobozia. Coach Mirel Rădoi’s team possess a potent attack led by Al Hamlawi, who has already scored four times in European competitions this season. At home, Craiova boast an impressive record of twelve matches unbeaten, including ten victories. Armenian champions Noah began with a 1-0 win over Rijeka, but their away struggles are well-documented, having lost all three previous European away games while conceding heavily. Coach Sandro Petković’s side play a deep, defensive style that could prove risky against Craiova’s high-tempo attacking football. The Romanian outfit have superior pace, technique and motivation, and they should be expected to record their first win of the group stage in front of their home supporters.

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