The 2024-25 Champions League first qualifying round sees UE Santa Coloma take on KF Ballkani in an exciting clash at Estadi Nacional.
With both teams aiming for a spot in the second qualifying round, this match promises to deliver an intriguing contest. Here’s a detailed look at the prediction, team form, news, and more.
Match Preview
UE Santa Coloma, having won the Andorran league for the first time, are set to make their debut in the Champions League qualifiers.
In contrast, KF Ballkani are seasoned competitors in European football, aiming to leverage their experience in this crucial fixture.
Team Form
UE Santa Coloma
UE Santa Coloma finished last season on a high, winning the Andorran league and the Copa Constitucio.
However, their record in European competitions is less impressive. They have never progressed past the first qualifying round, with their last outing ending in a 2-0 defeat to QPR in a warm-up match.
Recent form (all competitions): WWDDWL
KF Ballkani
KF Ballkani are coming off a successful season, clinching their third consecutive Superliga e Kosoves title and the Kupa e Kosoves.
Despite their domestic dominance, their European away form is concerning, having failed to score in their last four matches.
Recent form (all competitions): LWLDLL
Team News
UE Santa Coloma
The Andorran champions have bolstered their squad with several new signings, including centre-backs Chete, Pablo Lluch, and Pedro Correia.
Nigerian attacker Sunday Adetunji and midfielder Eris Abedini are also expected to play key roles in this match.
Possible starting lineup: Ruiz; Garcia, Puentes, Ribeiro, Blasco; Castells, El Ghazoui; L'Koucha, Modric, Joaquinete; de Jesus
KF Ballkani
KF Ballkani have also made strategic signings to strengthen their squad. New additions such as defenders Merlind Kodra and Geralb Smajli will be crucial in shoring up their defense.
Possible starting lineup: Kolici; Halili, Jashanica, Potoku, Thaqi; Abedini, Limaj, Kryeziu, Tolaj, Giovanni; Adetunji
Prediction
UE Santa Coloma’s lack of experience in European qualifiers and their struggle to score in such matches puts them at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, KF Ballkani's experience and previous success in progressing past the qualifying rounds give them an edge.
Our Prediction: UE Santa Coloma 0-1 KF Ballkani
UE Sta Coloma 
Ballkani 
