The first match of the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Shkendija (North Macedonia) and FCSB (Romania) will take place on July 22 at the Tose Proeski Stadium in Skopje. Shkendija vs. FCSB: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Shkendija
In the first qualifying round of the main European tournament, Shkendija faced New Saints. The initial away match ended in a goalless draw, while the return home fixture concluded with a 1-1 draw in regular time. The Macedonians scored the winning goal in extra time, five minutes before the end of the second extra period. Previously, the club has participated in this stage of qualification twice and has advanced only once.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 5 of their last 6 home Champions League matches.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 4 of the club's last 5 home games in this tournament.
- Both teams have scored at least once in 4 of Shkendija's last 5 home matches.
Predicted lineup for Shkendija (4-2-3-1)
Baboucarr Gaye – Aleksandar Trumchi, Ronaldo Webster, Imiran Fetai, Klisman Tsake – Kamer Chaka, Reshat Ramadani – Endrit Krasniqi, Fabrice Tamba, Liridon Latifi – Besart Ibraimi.
FCSB
The club faced Inter Escaldes in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. After a home victory (3-1), the club unexpectedly lost away with a score of 1-2, extending their scoring streak in the Champions League to nine games. In the 21st century, the team has played in the second round of qualification in this tournament five times and has always advanced. It's also worth noting that the national championship for the Romanians has already started.
The club's squad has not undergone significant changes this offseason.
- FCSB has conceded at least one goal in 7 of their last 9 away Champions League matches.
- The team has not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 8 away games in the Champions League.
- Three or more goals have been scored in 5 of the club's last 6 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for FCSB (4-2-3-1)
Stefan Tarnovanu – Valentin Cretu, Risto Radunovic, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihai Popescu – Vlad Chiriches, Adrian Sut – Darius Olaru, Denis Politic, Juri Chizotti – Florin Tanase.
Referee
Nathan Verboomen (Belgium)
Matches – 26 (International matches and Belgian Championship, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 119;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 35%.
Shkendija vs. FCSB: Match Prediction
Shkendija shows good scoring form at home. In European competitions, the team has scored in their last five home matches and in 4 of their last 6 home games in the Champions League. Furthermore, last season in the national championship, the club was the top scorer with an average of more than 2.2 goals per game. Given that the return leg will be in Romania, it's crucial for Shkendija to score at home to maintain their chances of overall success.
Meanwhile, FCSB is experiencing clear defensive issues, especially in European competitions. The team has conceded in 5 of their last 6 away matches on the international stage, and in the Champions League, in 7 of their last 9 away games. Moreover, in the first qualifying round, FCSB conceded three times against Inter Escaldes from Andorra, even though the odds for an Andorran victory exceeded 6.30. This clearly demonstrates the Romanian team's defensive instability.
Considering all these factors, my prediction: Shkendija Individual Total Over 0.5
