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Partizani Tirana host FC Iberia at the Elbasan Arena on Thursday (August 1) in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round. They trail 2-0 in the tie following a tough trip to Tbilisi last week.
Aiming to secure European football for the first time since 2006, Partizani were dealt a blow when Shota Nonikashvili put Iberia in front from the spot. Cheikne Sylla doubled their advantage in the second half as the Red Eagles took a big step towards the next qualifying round.
Partizani were also reduced to 10 men, as Arinaldo Rrapaj was sent off in the 47th minute. The midfielder is suspended for the return leg this week. Head coach Orges Shehi will hope to come up with something that stirs his side at home.
Meanwhile, their Georgian rivals are playing in the qualifiers for the fourth time. All three previous appearances ended in the qualifying round, including a second-round exit in the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Partizani Tirana vs Iberia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This is the third competitive clash between the sides.
- Last year, the two sides met in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, where the away side won both legs before Tbilisi prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
- In six away games in the European qualifiers, Iberia have won and lost thrice each.
- Partizani are unbeaten in five home games in the European qualifiers but have drawn three of them, including the last two.
- Iberia have reached the third round of a European qualifier just once, in the 2019-20 Europa League season, where they dropped to after losing in the Champions League qualifiers
Partizani Tirana vs Iberia Prediction
Partizani have a big challenge on their hands and will rely on their home record to turn around their deficit.
The Albanian outfit have the means to ruffle a few feathers, but Iberia aren't going to make life easy for them. They could sit back and soak up pressure, as they have the advantage in the tie. The hosts should win but not big enough to progress.
Prediction: Partizani 1-0 Iberia
Partizani Tirana vs Iberia Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Partizani
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
