Will Ballkani let Cluj advance without a fight? It shouldn’t have to, there’s nothing to save

Slavia fans will have to cheer for two on Thursday. If they want their darlings to advance to the spring stage of the European Conference League, they must score alongside the triumph of the Susians and Ballkani in the concurrent match with Cluj.

Slavia are in an awkward situation due to two losses to Romanian side Cluj in October and a draw in Sivas, Turkey in September. The promotion is not in their hands, even a win in the last round against Sivaspor may not be enough.

If Cluj beats Ballkani in a match played in parallel, the Kosovo champion will have four points and the other teams will have ten points each. This will create a round in which the points from the matches will be decisive. Sivasspor will be first with seven points, Cluj second with six and Slavia third with just four.

Ballkani may or may not work

At first glance, it may seem that Ballkani no longer have anything to play for. But this is their first participation in the European Cup, so there is no need to talk about motivation. Slovácko won’t just finish the last game at Partizan either, they will at least try to score points.

At the same time, coach Ballkani has no reason to save his players for the domestic competition, as this and last weekend’s games were postponed. The club and the players are playing for the bonuses they will get for a possible win or draw.

Worst in the table, best in the game

It’s a big paradox, but Ballkani played the most balanced football of all the teams against Slavia. In Prague, they led twice and could have easily equalised in the second half. At home, it held the Sevivans for 75 minutes, its hopes of promotion were dashed only by an unlucky goal.

Movement talented footballers could pay for a bit over-aged cadre, they played a 1:1 draw at home, moreover, let’s not forget that Ballkani already won away this season. They are the only team in the group to beat Sivasspor so far.

Source: European Conference League