On Tuesday evening, KF Ballkani will host UE Santa Coloma in the second leg of their Champions League first-round qualifying tie.
With a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, the Kosovar champions aim to secure their spot in the next round.
Team Form and Recent Performances
KF Ballkani
KF Ballkani are riding high after their dramatic win in Andorra last week. Bernard Karrica’s 90th-minute goal was crucial, securing a comeback victory after Youssef El Ghazoui had put UE Santa Coloma ahead.
This win marked another step in Ballkani’s impressive domestic form, having clinched their third consecutive Football Superleague of Kosovo title in the 2023-24 season.
However, European competition has been a different challenge. Previous attempts at Champions League qualification saw them fall short against FK Zalgiris and Ludogorets Razgrad.
Despite these setbacks, Ballkani’s persistence has paid off with a chance to advance further this year.
UE Santa Coloma
UE Santa Coloma, the champions of Andorra’s Primera Divisio for the first time in 2023-24, have a less favourable history in European competitions.
They have yet to win in 17 matches across Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Their performance in the first leg showed resilience but ultimately, they couldn’t hold off Ballkani’s attack.
Team News and Possible Lineups
KF Ballkani
Coach Ilir Daja is expected to field a similar lineup to the first leg. Veteran goalkeeper Enea Kolici will guard the net, with Arber Potoku leading from the back.
New signing Sunday Adetunji was absent in the first leg and might miss out again.
Possible Starting XI: Kolici; Smajli, Halili, Thaqi, Potoku; Ismajlgeci, Emerllahu, Queven; Hamidi, Tolaj, Karrica
UE Santa Coloma
Boris Anton’s side emerged from the first leg without any new injuries, and significant changes are unlikely.
Christian Garcia will captain the team from the centre of defence, with Franco de Jesus potentially providing an attacking…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/news/kf-ballkani-vs-ue-santa-coloma-champions-league-qualifying-prediction/5372
Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Jake Skudder)
Publish date : 2024-07-15 09:34:16
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