Date: June 19, 2024
The anticipation for the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round is heating up as the draw has been announced. Teams across Europe are set to face off in a series of thrilling encounters, with match dates and kick-off times expected to be confirmed by June 26, 2024.
Key Matchups to Watch
Ajax vs FK Vojvodina
One of the standout fixtures sees Dutch giants Ajax pitted against Serbian outfit FK Vojvodina. Ajax, known for their rich footballing heritage and development of young talent, will look to leverage their deep squad that includes players like experienced goalkeeper G. Rulli and promising defenders such as J. Šutalo and G. Ávila. Ajax’s recent form has been mixed, with a notable 3-0 loss to Hannover 96 and a subsequent 2-1 victory over the same team in friendly matches earlier this year. This tie promises to be a significant test for both teams as they aim to progress further in the competition.
SC Braga vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
SC Braga from Portugal will face Israel’s Maccabi Petah Tikva in another exciting encounter. Braga’s lineup features a blend of seasoned professionals like the 37-year-old midfielder João Moutinho, and young talents such as 18-year-old attacker Roger Fernandes. Maccabi Petah Tikva, who boast experienced players like the 34-year-old attacker B. Sahar, will be looking to make their mark against the Portuguese side.
Additional Fixtures
In other fixtures, MFK Ružomberok (Slovakia) or FC Tobol (Kazakhstan) will take on Trabzonspor A.Ş. (Turkey), depending on the outcome of the first qualifying round. Similarly, KF Llapi 1932 (Kosovo) or Wisła Kraków (Poland) will face SK Rapid Wien (Austria). These matches are set to bring a mix of styles and strategies to the fore, showcasing the diversity of European football.
Kilmarnock FC vs Cercle Brugge KSV
Scottish side Kilmarnock FC is set to clash with Belgium’s Cercle Brugge KSV, while Molde FK from Norway will face Danish outfit Silkeborg IF. The Scandinavian showdown is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to advance.
Further Fixtures:
- Paksi FC (Hungary) or FC Corvinul Hunedoara (Romania) vs HNK Rijeka (Croatia)
- Panathinaikos FC (Greece) vs PFC Botev Plovdiv (Bulgaria) or NK Maribor (Slovenia)
- FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) or PFC Zire (Azerbaijan) vs IF Elfsborg (Sweden) or Pafos FC (Cyprus)
These matchups set the stage for an exciting round of games as teams vie for a place in the next stage of the UEFA Europa League. Fans eagerly await the announcement of exact match dates and times, anticipating a series of enthralling football nights.
