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Puskas Akademia host Ararat-Armenia at the Pancho Arena in Hungary on Thursday for the second leg of their clash in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round. The Hungarian side currently lead 1-0 in the tie following their narrow victory away from home last week.
It was heading towards a goalless stalemate despite both sides creating a few good chances, but Mikael Soisalo struck the winner for Puskas in the 89th minute, much to Armenia's chagrin.
Aiming to secure their first-ever qualification to a European club tournament finals, Zsolt Hornyák's side are now just a draw away from reaching their first-ever playoffs.
They added more wind to their sails with a 3-1 league win over Nyíregyháza Spartacus on Sunday, making it three wins from three in the domestic games and four in four across all competitions.
On the other hand, Ararat-Armenia need to win by a two-goal margin here to keep their progression hopes alive. They will seek inspiration from their performance in the last round, which saw them pick up a 3-0 win away from home against Zimbru Chisinau.
The Yerevan outfit then followed it up with another 3-1 win at home to complete a 6-1 rout on aggregate. They have made it to the playoff stage of a qualifier just twice before: in the 2019-20 Europa League and the 2020-21 Europa League seasons.
Puskas Akademia vs Ararat-Armenia Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This is only the second official meeting between the sides.
- Of their last four qualifier games away from home, Ararat-Armenia have won just once, although it came in their most recent clash: a 3-0 win away to Zimbru Chisinau in the last round of the ongoing Europa Conference League.
- Puskas Akademia have reached the third qualifying round in Europe for the first time in history. They could script more history by reaching their first-ever playoffs.
Puskas Akademia vs Ararat-Armenia Prediction
Puskas Akademia managed to keep their rivals from Armenia at bay in the first leg and could play the same way here too as they have a narrow lead to protect.
Ararat-Armenia could come flying out of the blocks looking to overturn the deficit but might run into a stonewall.
Prediction: Puskas Akademia 1-0 Ararat-Armenia
Puskas Akademia vs Ararat-Armenia Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Puskas Akademia to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
