What to watch in the cups: Greenhorns for Champions League, Osasuna’s big test

The last two games before the group stage of the Europa Conference League are here. Which matches of football midgets not to miss in the week of European football? 

Braga vs. Panathinaikos

A match between two teams that have not been in the Champions League for a long time. Braga made a name for themselves in the Europa League, but it wasn’t enough for the LM for a long time in the competition with Sporting, Benfica and Porto. This year it was better than Sporting, but Panathinaikos knocked out giants Karabakh and Marseille along the way.

Antwerp vs. AEK Athens

Again, these are Champions League teams essentially unseeded. Antwerp may have won the title, but at one point they were third in the last round. AEK, on the other hand, came out swinging against Dinamo Zagreb. The Greeks may have two teams in the LM.

Slovan Bratislava vs. Aris Limasol

Even the Slovakian brothers already have a certain group participant. But Slovan is in contention for the Europa League, where Aris Limassol awaits. Experience plays for the Slovaks, but there is money in Cypriot football. Interesting confrontation!

Spartak Trnava vs. Dnipro

Spartak await big favourite Dnipro at first glance, but a big factor may be that both games will be played in Slovakia. Trnava have already knocked out one giant, after all Lech Poznan played in the quarterfinals of the Conference League last year.

Rapid Vienna vs. Fiorentina

Last year’s finalist in the competition made it to the EKL after Juventus was banned for financial fair-play. The playoffs won’t be completely free, the Austrian teams simply have quality. Rapid need to build a cushion at home.

Midtjylland vs. Legia Warsaw

One of the most evenly matched pairings in the ECL. Legia were shot through to the play-offs by Tomas Pekhart, the Danish side are sailing through qualification with a stroke of luck. Both clubs are a bit off the scene, but both need the cups not only for the club budget.

Osasuna vs. Brugge

Osasuna celebrated historic cups, but the draw suggested they were still a long way from the group stage. Brugge lead the Danish league, and last year played in the Champions League eight-finals. At home, the Spaniards need to get a head start for the rematch.

Source: UEFA