Plzen will take on HJK in the second leg for qualification to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. First leg result: 2-1. The match will take place at Doosan Arena in Plzen on Tuesday, July 26th.
Victoria Plzen has regained its position as the most powerful club in the country. In 2011, the “Red-blues” were able win their historic first-ever league title. It was able to win the trophy four times more over the next six years. The team lost its momentum and Slavia reached its peak. The former favorite managed to place 2nd. However, Michal Bilek, a mentor from Pilsen, returned one year ago and they were able to regain their “gold”. This allowed them to return to the Champions League. The Czechs had previously played in the Conference League but lost to CSKA Sofia a year ago. They are now confident in the main European Cup.
PHJK is a member of an active match practice. Finnish football is dominated by the “Klubi”. He won his 31st league title in 2021. KuPS is confidently holding onto the Veikkausliga’s 1st spot. It is important to make up for any domestic failures with an international breakthrough. HJK was the first representative from Finland to reach the Champions League main round. After that, there was only one exit from the group and then the Europa League. At the beginning, the current draw was almost a failure: after winning 1-0 at home RFS it was 2-2 in Latvia. The hosts won twice. HJK won the penalty shoot-out. The Czechs had conceded first and the Finns were equal at half-time. Kopits’ goal, however, scored 2-1 for his team. The Finns must win on the road and only the transition into extra time will give them a slight advantage.
Prior to the confrontation, the Czechs & Finns, who both start in European competitions quite often, didn’t intersect. Based on the quotes, Victoria is expected to win the second leg. And it will be a confident one. We are still waiting for a practical option that has “under 2.5 goals” to draw.
Prediction: The match will be played with goals of less than 2.5.
