European football is returning swiftly over the course of the next few weeks with the top leagues back in the mix and continental competitions are also right around the corner, with both the Champions League and Europa League.
For those yet to secure their spots in the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, the next two weeks will be crucial as the playoff rounds commence next weekend with some tasty ties.
BATE Borisov v PSV Eindhoven
By reaching this stage of qualifying, Belarusian outfit BATE Borisov have ensured themselves continental football for the fifth season in a row. After falling in the playoff round last year, they will be keen to ensure they do not drop down to the Europa League this time around.
A tough test awaits though, according to the Champions league betting markets, against one of the Eredivisie’s most recognised sides, who are looking to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. European Cup winners in 1988, they will want further history three decades later.
Red Star Belgrade v Red Bull Salzburg
Serbian outfit Red Star Belgrade played in the Europa League last year, advancing to the Round of 32 stage before being knocked out by CSKA Moscow. Last appearing in the competition in 1991-92, before the modern Champions League era, they are seeking a long awaited return.
Standing in their way are Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, who were defeated in the Europa League semi-finals by Marseille last season. In the modern era, they have never reached the Champions League group stage and their last appearance at that level came way back in 1994-95.
Benfica v PAOK
Arguably the biggest side in the playoff rounds of the Champions League this season, Portuguese giants Benfica have a sorry record of losing eight European finals since their victory in 1962 – said to be a curse of former manager Bela Guttman that began in that year.
Finalists in 2014, losing on penalties to Sevilla, they tackle a PAOK side looking to return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 1985-86. Since then, a number of appearances have been made in the Europa League but it will require a historic result if they are to overcome Benfica.
BSC Young Boys v Dinamo Zagreb
Last appearing in Europe’s elite competition in 1986-87, Swiss outfit BSC Young Boys have been in the Europa League for the past three seasons and are looking to overcome the playoff round after falling at the playoff stage last year.
Following ten years of involvement in European competitions, Dinamo Zagreb were absent from European competition last term after losing a Europa League qualifying playoff to Skenderbeu. In the clash between two sides with a strong pedigree on the continent, this tie will be difficult to call.
Videoton v AEK Athens
Last appearing in the group stages of European competition back in 2012-13, Videoton’s best memory in the European Cup was their 1985 UEFA Cup final appearance against Real Madrid. Since then, it has been a difficult time and their involvement in the Europa League five years ago was their only appearance in European competitions since.
AEK Athens are a name recognised by many in Europe but is has now been over ten years since their last appearance in the Champions League. Since then, it has been difficult for them in the Europa League but progress was made last year as they advanced to the knockout stages of the competition before being knocked out on away goals by Dynamo Kiev.
Ajax v Dynamo Kiev
Alongside Benfica, Ajax are among the biggest names in the Champions League playoff rounds as they boast seven European crowns to their name. Europa League finalists in 2017, Ajax last appeared in the Champions League in the 2014-15 season.
Dynamo Kiev will prove to be a tough opponent though as they boast European pedigree of their own. In the last 12 seasons, they have been involved in regular action on each occasion and reached the Europa League round of 16 last season before falling to defeat against Lazio.