It’s an extra-large calendar for this stage of the Conference League. The second qualifying round features an astonishing 50 matches involving 100 teams. Among the notable sides in action is Hajduk Split, who were held to a 1–1 draw in the first leg by Azerbaijan’s Zira and will be desperate to avoid slipping up in the return fixture. Sparta Prague are also in trouble after losing to Kazakhstan’s Aktobe, while AZ Alkmaar suffered a shock defeat in Finland against Ilves.
Fiorentina will join the competition later, entering at the play-off stage scheduled between 21 and 28 August. The Viola, part of the “placed” path, will battle for a spot in the league stage alongside 37 other teams. The tournament’s format is strict – no club qualifies directly for the single league. Every side must come through the qualifying rounds. Joining Fiorentina will be five other clubs from Europe’s top federations, seven sides dropping down from the Europa League’s third qualifying round, and the 26 winners from the Conference League’s own third round.
The second-leg fixtures began on Tuesday evening with three early kick-offs: Saburtalo v Levadia, Differdange v The New Saints, and Inter Escaldes v Olimpija Ljubljana – the opening chapter of what promises to be a decisive week for Europe’s third-tier competition.
Europa and Conference League: preliminary round fixtures announced
24 Jul - 09:59 •
1' min
