Expert page

This week the return matches of the first qualifying round of the Europa League are scheduled. AEK Larnaca enter the second leg in the Serbian capital with a narrow lead. However, the odds for the game show that Spanish coach Imanol Idiakez's team still has a lot of work to do. With their own fans behind them, Partizan Belgrade will do everything they can to turn the game in their favor. Two years ago, they lost to the Cypriots after a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the Europa League qualifiers. This is one of the main reasons why the guests are clearly favorites to progress in the next round. In the first leg, it was noticeable that both teams were playing their first competitive match since the end of May. The entertainment factor was limited due to the initial difficulties, with just one measly goal on the scoreboard after 90 minutes at the AEK Arena. However, this could change in the return leg in Belgrade. The hosts have to take risk in attack because a draw would only help their opponents.