Form and Line-up ML Vitebsk
ML Vitebsk remain just as inconsistent as they were a month ago. It seemed that Adiyev's staff had adapted to the squad and were gradually preparing the team for European competition, but the ML management then made another coaching change. Under Sokolinsky, the home team have scored a lot (13 goals in four matches), but they have not kept a clean sheet since 22 May. The win over Slavia Mozyr (4:2) did not add any confidence: one of the team leaders, Lisakovich, scored from the bench and demonstratively left the pitch. He has not been included in the squad for the Champions League matches and is close to leaving the club.
Key Numbers for ML Vitebsk:
Sokolinsky's team have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches.
ML Vitebsk have changed two coaches over the past 2.5 months. The most expensive footballer in the squad, Nicholson (2 million euros), has managed only 0+1 in the Belarusian Premier League.
ML Vitebsk will play in European competition for the first time in their history. The team became Belarusian champions in their debut season in the top flight.
Probable ML Vitebsk line-up (4-4-2): Pavel Pavlyuchenko — Kirill Gomanov, Zakhar Volkov, Ilya Moskalenchik, Yan Skibsky — Nikita Glushkov, Valery Gromyko, Ode Abdullahi, Aleksandar Mesarovic — Bassekou Diabate, Artem Kontsevoy
Form and Line-up Universitatea Craiova
Universitatea Craiova had a decent preparation period for the first round of Champions League qualifying. The visitors attacked brightly in friendlies against Sabah (1:1) and Polissya Zhytomyr (4:3). Craiova have worked well on strengthening the squad, with former Udinese goalkeeper Sava, who earned minutes in Serie A, the main signing. An already solid blue defence will become more stable, especially at the current level of competition.
Key Numbers for Universitatea Craiova:
Coelho's team have not lost since the first half of April (10 matches in a row).
Universitatea Craiova conceded only six goals in the final playoff round of the league.
Universitatea Craiova have the most expensive squad in the first round of Champions League qualifying (38.8 million euros).
Probable Universitatea Craiova line-up (4-3-3): Razvan Sava — Juraj Badelj, Nikola Stevanovic, Oleksandr Romanchuk, Nicusor Bancu — Alexandru Cretu, Tudor Baluta, Samuel Teles — Stefan Baiaram, Steven Nsimba, Constantin Basceanu
Who Will Referee the Match
Luka Bilbija (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 6 (international matches, 2024/25-2025/26);
Average fouls per match – 25;
Average yellow cards per match (including second yellows) – 4.3;
Matches with red cards – 3 out of 6;
Matches with penalties – 1 out of 6.
