Teams are potentially just 90 minutes away from reaching the all-new League Phase of Europe’s premier competition, as clubs prepare for this week’s Champions League play-offs. Here’s a closer look at the three games taking place on Tuesday night and how the matches in Istanbul, Prague and Salzburg can play out.
Champions League Play-Offs: ‘Men vs Boys’ in Istanbul
While edging the first leg 3-2 in Bern last week at Stadion Wankdorf, Young Boys face a huge challenge when they take on Galatasaray in Tuesday’s second leg at RAMS PARK. Gala have lost just one of their last six home games in the Champions League and even that was against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in 2023.
Goals have been an issue for Young Boys away from home in this competition, as they have failed to score in four of their last seven games on the road. Galatasaray will know they need to be much tighter at the back if they are to progress to the league phase and the Turkish giants are capable of winning and shutting out a Swiss side that have found goals hard to come by away from Bern in the Champions League.
Champions League Play-Offs: Miserable Malmo
Another side that have struggled for wins on the road are Malmo, who find themselves 2-0 down against Sparta Praha going into Tuesday’s second leg in the Czech Republic. Sparta have a strong record on their own patch and are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive games at home.
One has to go back to March of this year for their last defeat at epet ARENA, with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool earning an impressive 5-1 win. Malmo, meanwhile, have managed only one victory in their last eight away games in the Champions League.
The runaway Allsvenskan frontrunners have the firepower to cause Sparta problems and get on the scoresheet but the hosts should still have enough to win considering their home record.
Champions League Play-Offs: Super Salzburg
Having earned a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg in Poland, Red Bull Salzburg will fancy their chances of earning another win to nil at Red Bull Arena on Tuesday. Salzburg have real momentum at this early stage of the season and are now unbeaten in their last nine competitive games.
Dynamo Kyiv have done well to reach this stage of the qualifying, especially since they have been forced to play their “home” games in Poland. However, this clash at the Red Bull Arena might just be a bridge too far for this Ukrainian outfit and Salzburg are good value to win to nil once again.
Champions League Play-Offs Tips
Galatasaray to beat Young Boys to nil @ 2.30 with kwiff
Sparta Praha to beat Malmo and both teams to score @ 3.12 with kwiff
Red Bull Salzburg to beat Dynamo Kyiv to nil @ 2.60 with kwiff
By Rob Eddy
Please note that the information provided in this Champions League play-offs article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
