The Europa League qualifying rounds bring excitement and anticipation as teams battle for a spot in one of Europe's premier competitions.
This week's focus is on the second leg clash between Pafos FC and Elfsborg. With the first leg ending in a resounding victory for Elfsborg, Pafos faces an uphill task to turn the tie around.
Match Preview
First Leg Recap
In the first leg, Elfsborg demonstrated their superiority with a commanding 3-0 win over Pafos at the Boras Arena.
Goals from Besfort Zeneli, Niklas Hult, and Per Frick left the Cypriot side reeling and with a mountain to climb in the return fixture.
Pafos FC's Challenge
Playing their first competitive fixture of the 2024-25 campaign, Pafos struggled to find their rhythm.
They need to score at least three goals in the second leg to force extra time, a daunting task given Elfsborg's form.
Elfsborg's Advantage
Elfsborg, currently in excellent form, continued their winning streak with a 5-0 victory over Hacken in the Allsvenskan.
Their attack has been prolific, scoring 11 goals in their last three matches, making them strong favourites to advance to the next round.
Team Form
Pafos FC
Pafos finished their 2023-24 season on a high, winning the Cypriot Cup final against Omonia Nicosia.
However, their continental inexperience showed in the first leg against Elfsborg. The team needs to leverage their attacking capabilities to mount a comeback.
Elfsborg
Elfsborg has been impressive since their return from the summer break, with a solid run of victories.
Despite their occasional away form struggles in the Allsvenskan, their performance against Pafos suggests they can handle the pressure of away fixtures in Europe.
Team News
Pafos FC
Pafos will be without Matias Melluso, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the first leg.
This will force coach Juan Carlos Carcedo to adjust his lineup, possibly moving Onni Valakari to the backline.
Key players like Jairo and Muamer Tankovic are expected to play crucial roles in the attack.
Elfsborg
Elfsborg's lineup remains strong, with Arber Zeneli likely to start after his impactful performance off the bench.
Camil Jebara and Michael Baidoo should continue in the forward line after being substituted early in their last domestic match to stay fresh for the European fixture.
Prediction
While Pafos is expected to put up a fight on their home turf, Elfsborg's three-goal cushion from the first leg provides a significant advantage.
A predicted scoreline of Pafos FC 2-1 Elfsborg seems likely, resulting in an aggregate score of 4-2 in favour of the Swedish side.
Páfos 
Elfsborg 
