The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa Conference League second qualifying round between Aktobe (Kazakhstan) and Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) will take place on July 24 at the Central Stadium. Aktobe vs. Sparta Prague: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Aktobe
Vyacheslav Levchuk's side began this European season in the Europa League but lost both matches against Legia with identical 0-1 scores. Aktobe will participate in the Europa Conference League for the third time. Last season, the Kazakh team played only one round in this tournament, while the previous year, they reached the third qualifying stage, marking the club's best achievement in the ECL.
- The team has not won in 6 of their last 7 European matches (1 draw, 5 losses).
- In their last 6 international games, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
- In 5 of their last 7 home matches in European competitions, Aktobe failed to score.
Predicted lineup for Aktobe (4-5-1)
Andrey Vlad – Nemanja Andjelkovic, Bagdat Kairov, Bogdan Vatejelu, Lev Skvortsov – Daniel Sosa, Jairo Jean, Nikita Korzun, Georgy Zhukov, Vyacheslav Shvyrev – Artur Shushenachev.
Sparta Prague
The Prague team finished fourth in the last Czech championship, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League. Previously, Sparta participated in this third-tier European competition in its inaugural season, reaching just shy of the Round of 16. Last year, they competed in the Champions League but showed poor results, winning only once in the group stage (1 draw, 6 losses). Additionally, the Czechs conceded 21 goals, with only four teams having a worse record.
Before the new season, the team was taken over by Brian Priske, whose last position was with Feyenoord.
- The team is on a 6-match losing streak in the Champions League.
- Sparta has scored at least one goal in 11 of their last 13 away games in European competitions.
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 11 of the Czechs' last 13 away matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for Sparta Prague (3-4-3)
Peter Vindahl-Jensen – Emmanuel Uche, Filip Panak, Elias Cobbaut – Jaroslav Zeleny, Kaan Kairinen, Pavel Kaderabek, Patrik Vydra – Jan Kuchta, Ermal Krasniqi, Lukas Haraslin.
Referee
Kristoffer Hagenes (Norway)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 14%.
Match Prediction: Aktobe vs. Sparta Prague
The exit from the Europa League likely didn't surprise Aktobe fans. The Kazakh team rarely achieves positive results in European competitions. Despite Legia just starting their season while the Kazakhstan championship is already halfway through, Aktobe couldn't capitalize. However, it's worth noting that Aktobe competes well in international arenas, with their last five losses being by a minimal margin. At home in European competitions, they have never lost by more than one goal.
The Czechs regularly participate in European competitions, but Sparta struggles to perform consistently away and at home. They have won only 4 of their last 22 away matches on the international stage (3 draws, 15 losses). The team has played only one official game this season, and it will be challenging against an opponent in good form. The long travel distance for the Czechs shouldn't be overlooked. I believe these factors will help the hosts put up a commendable performance.
My prediction: Aktobe with a handicap (+1.5)
