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Dudelange host Atletic at the Stade Jos Nosbaum on Thursday for the second leg of their clash in the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round. The Luxembourg outfit hold a narrow 1-0 advantage in the tie from the first leg, as Filip Bojic netted the only goal of the game in the 17th minute.
It proved enough to earn the visitors a win as their Moldovan hosts were unable to claw their way back into the match.
Although it may be the slimmest of advantages, Claudio Lombardelli's side can progress into the second round of the competition's qualifiers with just a draw, and have the home advantage too.
Interestingly, the side have not been eliminated from the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League in three previous appearances. Back in the 2021-22 season, Dudelange got a direct entry into the second round. In the following season, their failed attempts in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers saw them eventually drop into the Conference League play-offs.
Last season, they progressed into the second round after winning the earlier tie 5-3 on aggregate. However, the minnows will be looking to break the glass ceiling at last and qualify for a major tournament again.
As for their rivals, it's their third attempt in the competition. Two years ago, Malta's Gzira United ended their run in the first qualifying round, while last season, they made it to the second round after being knocked out in the Europa League playoffs. That time, Albania's Partizani put paid to their qualifying hopes.
Dudelange vs Atletic Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This is only the second encounter between the sides in history.
- Dudelange are unbeaten in their last four European qualifiers, drawing and winning twice each.
- Their rivals from Moldova are winless in four European qualifiers so far, losing three and drawing once.
- L'Atletic have drawn and lost their previous two away games in the European qualifiers: a 1-1 draw vs Gzira United in 2022 and a 4-1 loss vs Partizani in 2023.
Dudelange vs Atletic Prediction
Dudelange have never lost out in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League before, and now, with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, it's hard to image them not progressing once again.
The Luxembourg side have some experience in Europe, and we expect them to beat the Moldovan minnows again this week.
Prediction: Dudelange 1-0 Atletic
Dudelange vs Atletic Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Dudelange to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
