The second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round between AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) and Ilves (Finland) will take place on July 31 at the AFAS Stadium. The first match ended with a 4-3 victory for Ilves. AZ Alkmaar vs. Ilves: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
AZ Alkmaar
In the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Conference League, the club unexpectedly lost to Ilves with a score of 3-4. This defeat marked their fourth consecutive away loss in this tournament. Now, the Dutch side needs to win by at least two goals in regular time, but they have managed such a result only once in their last six home matches in the Conference League.
- The team has not scored more than one goal in 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Conference League.
- AZ Alkmaar has not won by more than one goal in 5 of their last 6 home matches in this tournament.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Conference League.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Jeroen Zoet – Wouter Goes, Denso Kasius, Maxim Dekker, Mis de Wit – Jordy Clasie, Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners – Ro-Zangelo Daal, Troy Parrott, Ernest Poku.
Ilves
The victory in the first match against AZ Alkmaar was only the club's second in their entire history of international competitions. Interestingly, the odds for Ilves' success in that match exceeded 7.20, making the result even more sensational. Now, to advance to the next round, the Finnish club only needs to avoid losing in regular time, although they have achieved such a result only once in five away matches in European competitions. A minimal loss would send the game into extra time.
- In 4 of their last 5 away matches in international competitions, there has been a goal exchange.
- Ilves has not lost by more than one goal in 8 of their last 10 matches in European competitions.
- More than two goals have been scored in 7 of their last 9 matches in European tournaments.
Predicted lineup for Ilves (3-4-2-1)
Otso Virtanen – Matias Rale, Aapo Mäen, Sauli Väisänen – Vincent Uhlun, Jardell Kanga, Otto Tiitinen, Oiva Jukkola – Maxim Stepin, Marius Söderbäck – Roope Riski.
Referee
Ivar Kristjansson (Iceland)
Matches – 30 (International matches and Icelandic championship, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 143;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 37%.
Match Prediction: AZ Alkmaar vs. Ilves
AZ Alkmaar has not won by more than two goals in their last 11 home matches in the Conference League. Additionally, the Dutch side has not secured such a large victory in 15 of their last 16 games on the European stage. It should also be noted that the season is just beginning for the team, whereas the Finnish championship is already in full swing, meaning Ilves is in much better playing form.
As for the visitors, the Finns have only lost by more than two goals once in their last five international matches. Furthermore, the club rarely plays in European competitions, so their motivation here will be at its peak. The victory over such a renowned opponent as AZ Alkmaar has already given the Finnish team a psychological boost, so I believe that a lopsided scoreline is unlikely.
My prediction: Ilves with a handicap (+2.5)
