AFCON 2025
European competition returns on Thursday as the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off second legs reach their conclusion, with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs. Clubs that built advantages in the first leg will look to secure qualification, while others face tightly poised ties that promise competitive football across several countries.
The early programme sees four fixtures kick off in the late afternoon European time before another four games round out the evening schedule. Form from the first meetings last week will shape team approaches as sides balance the need for goals with tactical control.
At the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina go into their second-leg tie with Jagiellonia Białystok holding a 3-0 aggregate lead after a commanding performance in Poland. The Italian side can wrap up their progression with a composed showing at home, but Jagiellonia know that an early breakthrough in Florence could alter the complexion of the tie.
In Slovenia, NK Celje host Drita with a narrow 3-2 aggregate advantage, setting up what could be a tense encounter. Celje’s ability to manage the visitors over 90 minutes will be tested, with Drita needing to score and maintain defensive concentration to force a decisive outcome.
HNK Rijeka and Omonia Nicosia meet in Croatia with Rijeka holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg. The Croatian side’s challenge will be to maintain their advantage against a Cypriot team that showed resilience in their opening fixture, suggesting a closely contested match.
Also in the early programme, Samsunspor’s 1-0 first-leg advantage over Shkendija gives the Turkish club a platform to progress, but Shkendija’s home support and tactical discipline could test their visitors.
The evening schedule includes fixtures where the first-leg result leaves the tie finely balanced. AZ Alkmaar trail Noah 1-0 on aggregate, meaning the Dutch side must overturn a deficit on home soil if they are to reach the next stage. Crystal Palace face Zrinjski Mostar with the first leg ending 1-1, providing an open contest in London where both teams will seek to use home advantage before the round concludes.
In Switzerland, Lausanne-Sport and Sigma Olomouc are level on 1-1 aggregate, setting up a match that could hinge on set-pieces and narrow margins. Meanwhile in Poland, Lech Poznań’s 2-0 lead over KuPS Kuopio positions them favourably, but a disciplined performance is required to translate that cushion into a place in the Round of 16.
Thursday’s fixtures mark the end of this play-off phase and will determine which clubs continue in European competition. Teams that can combine tactical organization with decisive moments in attack will emerge with the advantage as the Conference League moves closer to its knockout stages.
