The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa League First Qualifying Round between AEK Larnaca (Cyprus) and Partizan (Serbia) will take place on July 10 at the AEK Arena. AEK Larnaca vs. Partizan: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
AEK Larnaca
The team clinched the Cyprus Cup last season, earning them a spot in the Europa League. AEK Larnaca has participated in this tournament seven times, advancing through qualification twice but falling at the group stage on both occasions. Last year, the club competed in the Conference League, where they were eliminated in the second qualifying round by Hungarian side Paksi (0-3, 0-2).
Head coach Henning Berg left the team at the end of June. A week ago, Imanol Idiakez, who has managed AEK twice before, was appointed as the new head coach.
- The Cypriots have scored in their last 10 home games in the Europa League.
- The team has conceded in their previous eight European matches.
- In 7 of AEK's last 10 matches in this tournament, both teams have scored at least once.
Predicted lineup for AEK Larnaca (4-3-3)
Zlatan Alomerovic – Elohor Ekpolo, Jeremy Gnali, Hrvoje Milicevic, Valentin Roberge – Pere Pons, Luis Gustavo, Marcus Rohden – Enzo Cabrera, Waldo Rubio, Yerson Chacon.
Partizan
The club secured their place in the Europa League by finishing second in the Serbian Championship. They have participated in this European competition 13 times, reaching the group stage on six occasions. Their best performance came in the 2017/18 season when they reached the Europa League Round of 32. Last season, Partizan had a disappointing European campaign, beginning in the Champions League second qualifying round but failing to even reach the main draw of the Conference League.
- The team has lost 5 of their last 7 away matches in European competitions.
- Partizan has conceded in 8 of their previous 9 Europa League encounters.
- In 10 of their last 13 away games in European competitions, the club has scored at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Partizan (4-4-2)
Marko Milosevic – Mateja Milovanovic, Mario Jurcevic, Vukasin Djurdjevic, Milan Roganovic – Janis Karabelejev, Milan Vukotic, Vanja Dragojevic, Ognjen Ugresic – Jovan Milosevic, Nemanja Trifunovic.
Referee
Jakob Carlsen (Denmark)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: AEK Larnaca vs. Partizan
The teams have previously met in the Europa League qualification during the 2022/23 season. The match in Cyprus ended with a 2-1 victory for the hosts, and the second leg concluded in a 2-2 draw. Additionally, in 5 of AEK's last 6 home matches in this tournament, the "Both Teams to Score – Yes" bet was successful. I believe the Cypriots have a good chance of scoring in this game as well. The team has scored in 14 of their last 16 home matches in European competitions, while their upcoming opponent has conceded in eight consecutive matches in these tournaments.
Partizan had a poor European campaign last season. The team often lost but consistently scored on the road, finding the net at least once in 10 of their last 13 away matches on the international stage. Meanwhile, AEK has defensive issues, conceding in their last eight European matches. Notably, in 6 of Partizan's last 8 away Europa League matches, both teams have scored.
Considering the teams' performances in European competitions and their head-to-head history, my prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes
