In the third qualifying round of the 2024-25 Champions League, APOEL Nicosia faces a challenging task as they host Slovan Bratislava for the second leg.
After a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, APOEL needs a remarkable performance at home to keep their European dreams alive.
Match Preview
APOEL
APOEL, a powerhouse in Cypriot football with 29 league titles, is no stranger to European competition.
They reached the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2011-12 season, marking their best performance on the continental stage.
However, their recent form suggests they face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit against a strong Slovan Bratislava side.
Slovan Bratislava
Slovan Bratislava, the reigning Slovak champions, are in fine form, having won their last four matches across all competitions.
Their two late goals in the first leg have given them a significant advantage going into this fixture.
Historically, Slovan has struggled to reach the Champions League group stage, but their current form indicates they are well on their way this season.
Team News
APOEL
Coach David Gallego is expected to stick with the same lineup that started the first leg, despite the defeat.
Youssef El-Arabi is pushing for a place in the starting XI, but it’s likely that Stefan Drazic will continue to lead the attack.
Marquinhos, who has already scored twice in the qualifying rounds, remains a key player for APOEL.
Slovan Bratislava:
Slovan Bratislava has no significant injury concerns and is expected to field a strong lineup.
Robert Mak, who scored in the first leg, is likely to start alongside David Strelec, both of whom have been prolific early in the season.
Veteran defender Guram Kashia will bring experience to the backline as Slovan look to maintain their advantage.
Prediction
While APOEL will have the advantage of playing at home, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against an in-form Slovan Bratislava team is a daunting task.
We expect an entertaining match, but we're predicting a draw (2-2), with Bratislava advancing 4-2 on aggregate to the playoff round of the Champions League.
APÓEL 
Slovan 
