The UEFA Champions League second qualifying round kicks off with an intriguing matchup as Ukrainian powerhouse Dynamo Kiev hosts Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade. The first leg, set for Tuesday at the NSK Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, promises to be a closely contested affair between two sides eager to progress in Europe’s elite competition.
Team News and Projected Lineups
Dynamo Kiev manager Mircea Lucescu has a near full-strength squad at his disposal. The hosts are likely to line up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation:
Expected Dynamo Kiev Lineup: Buyalskyi, Dubinchak, Shaparenko, Tymchyk, Tsygankov, Besedin, Sydorchuk, Popov, De Pena, Bushchan, Syrota.
Partizan, under the guidance of Aleksandar Stanojevic, have no major injury concerns. They’re expected to set up in a 4-3-3 system:
Predicted Partizan Lineup: Miletic, Natcho, Banjak, Markovic, Popovic, Zdjelar, Ricardo, Vujacic, Urosevic, Scekic, Asano
Key Absences: Neither side has reported any significant injuries or suspensions ahead of this crucial tie.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the action live on various platforms:
- Ukraine: Football 1
- Serbia: Arena Sport
- International viewers: UEFA.tv (subject to regional restrictions)
Kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 local time (18:00 BST).
Form Guide and Recent Performances
Dynamo Kiev come into this match on the back of a strong pre-season campaign. They’ve won four of their last five friendlies, including impressive victories over Brondby (4-0) and Mamelodi Sundowns (1-0). Their only setback was a narrow 3-2 loss to Union Berlin.
Partizan, meanwhile, have already begun their domestic season, securing a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Napredak in their Serbian SuperLiga opener. However, their pre-season form was mixed, with two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches.
Head-to-Head Record
These two sides have a limited history, having met only twice before in competitive fixtures. Both encounters came in the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League group stage, with Dynamo emerging victorious on both occasions (3-2 away and 4-1 at home).
Standings and European Pedigree
Dynamo Kiev finished second in the Ukrainian Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on the title to Shakhtar Donetsk. They’re aiming to return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2020-21.
Partizan also claimed the runners-up spot in Serbia’s top flight, finishing behind Red Star Belgrade. The Belgrade outfit hasn’t featured in the Champions League proper since the 2010-11 campaign and will be desperate to end that drought.
Key Players to Watch
For Dynamo, keep an eye on Viktor Tsygankov. The dynamic winger contributed 13 goals and 7 assists in league play last season and could be the difference-maker.
Partizan will look to their experienced midfielder Bibras Natcho for creativity and control in the middle of the park. The Israeli international’s set-piece delivery could prove crucial in what’s expected to be a tight contest.
Match Prediction
Given Dynamo’s home advantage and superior European experience, they enter this tie as slight favorites. However, Partizan’s competitive edge from already starting their domestic season could prove valuable.
Expect a cagey affair with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. Dynamo’s attacking firepower might just give them the edge, but don’t be surprised if this one ends all square.
Prediction: Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Partizan
This result would leave the tie delicately poised heading into next week’s return leg in Belgrade. With a place in the third qualifying round at stake, both sides will be eager to avoid any costly mistakes in this opening encounter.
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