The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa League second qualifying round between Anderlecht (Belgium) and Hacken (Sweden) will take place on July 24 at Lotto Park. Anderlecht vs. Hacken: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Eldorjan Hamiti (Albania)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 40%.
Last season ended on a disappointing note for R.S.C. Anderlecht, with the team missing out on silverware. However, they secured a top-four finish in the Belgian league and qualified for the UEFA Europa League play-offs. Facing Häcken, they are expected to secure a favourable result, especially with an extended pre-season providing a solid foundation for match sharpness.
Since late June, R.S.C. Anderlecht have featured in five friendly fixtures, winning three and remaining unbeaten throughout. On the penultimate Saturday, the squad dismantled Dordrecht in a commanding 5:0 victory, with Luis Vasquez netting twice — a performance that rekindled optimism about his progress following his transfer from Boca Juniors. Only Killian Sardella and Ilay Camara are unavailable, and with a squad valuation of €103.8 million compared to Häcken’s €20.2 million, the team possess the depth and quality to make their superiority count.
Häcken have faced difficulties in their domestic campaign. A goalless draw against Halmstads over the weekend left them eighth in the standings, ten points adrift of the top three. They have conceded 25 goals in 16 league appearances — the worst defensive record among Sweden’s top ten teams. In the previous qualifying round against Spartak Trnava (3:2 on aggregate), Häcken struggled to preserve the advantage gained in the first leg.
Progressing to the group stage of the UEFA Europa League is a clear objective for Anderlecht. While Häcken may pose occasional challenges, the Belgians are expected to control proceedings from the outset.
