The second round of the Champions League qualifiers is set to come to an end this week, with the return legs taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday. There are some teams that have practically secured qualification to the next round already, yet others have struggled despite being clear favourites.
Some of the ties are open, with qualification for the third round of qualifying up for grabs, so let’s take a look at the five Champions League qualifiers worth watching this week.
Midtjylland vs Celtic (Wednesday, July 28, 19:45 CEST)
After failing to win the Scottish Premiership last season, Celtic were introduced to the Champions League qualifiers’ league path, where they have to face Midtjylland. The Danish side visited Celtic Park last week and managed to snatch a 1-1 draw thanks to a howler from the hosts’ goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas. The first game’s result will force both teams to attack as away goals do not count following the change in rules.
Red Star vs Kairat Almaty (Wednesday, July 28, 20:30 CEST)
The champions of Serbia and Kazakhstan are facing each other at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, where Red Star will attempt to turn the tie around and grab a win that would lead them to the third round after losing the first game 2-1 on the road.
Neftci vs Olympiacos (Wednesday, July 28, 19:00 CEST)
In a game with two red cards – one for each side – and several injuries, Olympiacos grabbed a narrow 1-0 win and will head to Baku to try to seal qualification to the next round. But, they are without more than six starters due to injuries and COVID-19, for this game that could prove to be tricky for the Greek champions.
Ludogorets vs Mura (Wednesday, July 28, 20:00 CEST)
Qualification to the next round is up for grabs in this tie as neither of the two teams managed to either score or get a favourable result in the first leg, one which ended in a goalless draw and took place at the Mestni Stadion Fazanerija in Slovenia. Now, they have the return leg in Bulgaria.
Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava (Wednesday, July 28, 20:15 CEST)
None of the 14 goal attempts registered in the first leg between the two sides ended in the back of the net, so both teams will pursue a victory in the return leg at the Stade de Suisse in Bern. Everything is at stake after the first game’s 0-0 draw.
