The third qualifying round for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League kicks off today, providing two days of exciting action as every team battles it out to go one step closer to the newly revamped league phase.
With so many games set to take place, and all of them sure to see plenty of drama and tension in an attempt to get a first leg lead, we are going to pick out a selection of the games and choose our top tips and booking code:
Malmo FF vs PAOK
Malmo went into their second-round tie as strong favourites to progress against Klaksvik, and while they did eventually get over the line, they certainly struggled more than anticipated. A 4-1 first-leg victory looked to seal their place in the next round, but their opponents put up a fight in the reverse fixture as they won 3-2, leaving Malmo progressing as 6-4 winners.
PAOK also narrowly progressed despite being strong favourites, winning the first leg 3-2 and claiming a 1-0 win in the second leg. The Greek side will come into this one as the narrow favourites to win again, but with Malmo boasting the home advantage and having played more competitive football in recent weeks, we believe the hosts will win tonight.
Malmo FF to win, 2.26
RB Salzburg vs Twente
RB Salzburg will be looking to have a much more productive campaign this time around after they suffered a group-stage exit from the Champions League last year, as well as failing to win the league title after a decade of dominance.
Twente, on the other hand, have not played in Europe’s top-tier competition in 14 years, and have not managed to make the group stage of any European tournament since a group stage exit from the UEFA Europa League in 2012-13.
With RB Salzburg also having the home advantage in this first leg, and having more talent littered throughout their squad, we expect a comfortable win for the hosts in this one.
RB Salzburg to win, 1.73
Lille vs Fenerbahce
Lille’s competitive season is set to begin when they face Fenerbahce in the first leg of the third qualifying round, coming into the game on the back of a productive pre-season that saw them win three and lose just one of their five pre-season matches.
While the hosts are sure to be the favourites, Jose Mourinho is an expert in European football and has already got off to a good start at Fenerbahce, winning both of his competitive matches in charge.
We do expect Lille to dominate the entirety of the 90 minutes in this first leg, but we believe Mourinho will be able to pull off his usual magic and keep his side in the tie going into their home leg next week.
Lille & Fenerbahce to draw, 3.35
Exclusive Booking Code:
6VY33PL – Odds: 13.1
