The second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 third qualifying round between Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmo (Sweden) will take place on August 12 at the Parken Stadium. The score of the first match was 0-0. Copenhagen vs. Malmo: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Copenhagen
Jacob Neestrup's side played to a draw in the first match. Copenhagen has managed to avoid defeat in 14 of their last 18 Champions League matches (7 wins, 7 draws). Moreover, the team has kept a clean sheet in the last three games of this European competition. However, for the first time in six recent Champions League encounters, the Danes failed to score. To advance to the next round of qualification, the club must win.
- The team has not lost in 90 minutes in 14 of their last 16 home matches in the Champions League (8 wins, 6 draws).
- The club scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in this European competition.
- The Danes conceded a maximum of one goal in 90 minutes in 12 of their last 16 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Copenhagen (4-5-1)
Dominik Kotarski – Marcos Lopez, Gabriel Pereira, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Rodrigo Ueskas – Lukas Lerager, Mohamed Elias Ashouri, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Thomas Delaney, Jordan Larsson – Andreas Cornelius.
Forward Youssoufa Moukoko's participation in the match is in doubt.
Malmo
Henrik Rydström's team failed to win the first match, not registering a single shot on target. As a result, Malmo's four-match winning streak in the Champions League came to an end. Meanwhile, the team managed to keep a clean sheet for only the second time in their last 22 games in this European competition. To progress to the next round, the Swedes need to win, and in the case of a draw, extra time will be played.
- The team has not won in regular time in 9 of their last 11 away matches in the Champions League (2 draws, 7 losses).
- The club conceded in 90 minutes in 14 previous away matches in this European competition.
- Both opponents scored in regular time in 5 of Malmo's last 7 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Malmo (4-4-2)
Robin Olsen – Andrej Djurić, Jens Stryger Larsen, Colin Rosler, Pontus Jansson – Gabriel Busanello, Oliver Berg, Otto Rosengren, Lasse Berg Johnsen – Hugo Bolin, Taha Ali.
Midfielder Anders Christiansen will not play due to injury.
Referee
Jose Maria Sanchez (Spain)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 17%.
Copenhagen vs. Malmo: Match Prediction
In the first encounter, both teams struggled offensively, managing just one shot on target between them. However, I expect the return leg to be more open, as both opponents need a victory. Copenhagen has rarely faced difficulties breaking down defenses, scoring in their last six home Champions League matches. During this period, the Danes have found the net even against Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Malmo aims to put pressure on the opposition's defense in away games and scores regularly: in their last seven away Champions League matches, the team left the field without a goal only twice. Moreover, during this period, the Swedes have scored 15 times. However, the club cannot boast of reliable defensive actions: in their last 14 away Champions League matches, Malmo has not kept a single clean sheet.
I expect a high-scoring encounter, so my prediction: Total over 2 goals
