Shkendija vs Qarabag Prediction & Betting Tips (5 August)

Never engaged in a European competition, the KF Shkendija passed the first two qualification rounds in overtime against the Welsh TNS 0-0 and 2-1 AP and thanks to two successes against the FCSB 1-0 and 1-2. Winning in the meantime of his national competitor Rabotnicki 3-1 in friendly, the Northern Macedonian champion negotiates this meeting to go on 3 successes. He finds the way to the championship on Friday on his lawn against Shkupi, mid -table club.  Qarabag advances after having dictated his law before Shelbourne in the second round, with an easy victory in Ireland 0-3 before lifting his foot in his home 1-0.

Sacred champions of Azerbaijan over the last four seasons, the riders are therefore starting their season with the way and will aspire to do the same on August 15 against Sabah Baku, at the opening of the championship. Qarabag has been there for continental competitions for several years but remains in a last execrable season in the Europa League, having finished last in the league phase. He played the Champions League until 2017-2018. 

The KF Shkendija sees a good eye the return of suspension of the Qaka frame in the midfield. The group should therefore be complete for this first leg. The center-forward Ibraimi, top scorer on the last exercise with 15 achievements, has not yet been successful in front of the goal. The team lost this summer the little decisive winger Shala and the defensive executives Merdjani (left side) and Adili (central). The Gaye goalkeeper arrived at the same time and acts as a number 1 in the hierarchy. Other recruits, Krasniqi in the middle and Fetai in the hinge, also have significant playing time.

 Qarabag is partly based on Leandro Andrade to score. The man with 17 achievements on the last exercise unlocked his counter against Shelbourne, from the first leg. Kashchuk and Akhundzada also went there from their goal after a last successful season. On the other hand, the club can no longer count on the Taulier Patrick Andrade in the midfield, transferred to the transfer window, and the former Lyonnais Benzia whose contract ended after a final exercise at 12 achievements. Absent from the return against Shelbourne, the Isayev community with a replacement status is not guaranteed to find its place in the group. 

• Summary: KF Shkëndija is going head to head with Qarabağ starting on 5 Aug 2025 at 18:00 UTC at Toše Proeski Arena stadium, Skopje city, North Macedonia. The match is a part of the UEFA Champions League, Qualification .
• Referee: Ivan Kružliak