Shkëndija aims to continue history in the Champions League

The spark will descend on the green field tonight to continue the European dream.

The Albanian team will play in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, while it will host the Qarabag FK team in Skopje

The Reds are the only Albanian team to reach this stage of the competition, while they are aiming for miracle and history – qualifying for the Champions League stage, something that no Albanian team had previously achieved.

In the event of eventual elimination from the Champions League, the team from Tetouan would continue participating in European competitions.

The match between Shkëndija and Qarabag will be played tonight at the “Todor Proeski” stadium in Skopje starting at 20:00.

The Tetovan team will aim to get the most positive result in the first match, so that they can be more relaxed and not under pressure in the return match.

Qarabag enter this tie with a stronger European pedigree and a dominant domestic record. They cruised to the Azerbaijan Premier League title last season with 89 points from 36 games, scoring 86 and conceding just 19. They have already brushed aside Shelbourne in the previous round, winning 3-0 away and 1-0 at home, and have reached the play-off round or better in three of the past four seasons.

While Shkendija have made a few changes, FK Qarabag have kept the core of their squad intact, including Abdellah Zoubir and Marko Jankovic. They have strengthened in midfield and wide areas over the summer and look well-balanced heading into this tie. With their European experience and consistent structure, they arrive in Skopje as favourites, but they will be fully aware that Shkendija are disciplined and dangerous, particularly on the counter.

Predicted line-ups

Shkendija (4-2-3-1): Gaye; Trumci, Cake, Webster, Fetai; Qaka, Ramadani; Latifi, Krasniqi, Tamba; Ademi.

Qarabag (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Caferquliyev; Bicalho, Axundzade; Andrade, Kady, Zoubir; Addai.