Champions League Qualifier Previews

The New Saints vs Shkendija (Tuesday)

Champions of Wales and North Macedonia meet at Park Hall on Tuesday as The New Saints begin their Champions League qualification journey against Shkendija. TNS will look to draw on their strong home record and recent European experience, having reached the league phase of the Europa Conference League last season — a first for a Welsh domestic side. After edging Penybont to the league title and finishing 14 points clear in the Championship Conference, Craig Harrison’s men enter this tie hoping to rediscover form after three winless warm-up games, including a 1-0 defeat to Newtown earlier this month.

Shkendija, meanwhile, return to Champions League qualifying for the first time since the 2021–22 season. They topped the Macedonian First League with a tight margin, finishing just three points above Sileks. While they were the division’s highest scorers, their defensive numbers were less convincing, conceding 30 goals over 33 matches — notably more than their closest rivals. Still, the visitors have been solid away from home recently, losing just once on the road since early March.

Historically, Shkendija will be wary of playing in Wales — they were knocked out on penalties by Haverfordwest County in the Conference League qualifiers last year. TNS, meanwhile, will hope to replicate last season’s first-round win over FK Decic, where a 3-1 home win set the tone. The likes of Zack Clarke, Adam Wilson and Ryan Brobbel are expected to lead the hosts’ attack, while Fiton Ademi and Liridon Latifi should provide the firepower for the visitors.

FCSB vs Inter Club d’Escaldes (Wednesday)

Romanian champions FCSB host Andorran double winners Inter Club d’Escaldes in Bucharest on Wednesday to begin their push toward the Champions League group stage. Under Elias Charalambous, FCSB cruised to a second consecutive domestic title, finishing nine points clear of CFR Cluj. Their European ambitions begin here, having last season reached the Europa League last 16 before being knocked out by Lyon. Preparations for this tie included pre-season wins over Dutch sides Almere and Utrecht, followed by a dramatic Supercupa Romaniei victory over Cluj at the weekend.

Inter d’Escaldes arrive in the Romanian capital with modest expectations, having never progressed beyond the second qualifying round of any UEFA competition. The Andorran champions, who lifted both the league and domestic cup last season, suffered an 8-3 aggregate defeat to AEK Athens in last year’s Conference League qualifiers. Nonetheless, they will hope to make their mark on this campaign, even if eventual defeat would see them drop into Conference League qualification.

FCSB striker Daniel Birligea is a doubt due to a toe issue, while Joyskim Dawa and Octavian Popescu are expected to miss out. Recent signing Dennis Politic could be handed his first start. For the visitors, attacking hopes rest on Guillaume Lopez, the France-born Andorra international who has six goals in UEFA competitions to date.

Shelbourne vs Linfield (Wednesday)

An all-Ireland clash lights up the Champions League’s first qualifying round as Shelbourne welcome Linfield to Tolka Park on Wednesday. This marks Shelbourne’s return to the top table after an 18-year wait, having claimed the League of Ireland title under Damien Duff last season. However, Duff’s departure last month following a disappointing domestic campaign leaves Joey O’Brien in charge for his first European test as head coach.

Shelbourne have struggled to replicate last season’s form, sitting fifth in the league, but picked up a confidence-boosting win over Cork City last week. They’ll be aiming to improve on their historical UEFA record, which includes just four wins from 20 Champions League qualifiers.

Linfield, on the other hand, make the short trip south after dominating the Northern Irish Premiership, finishing a massive 22 points ahead of second-placed Larne. Despite their domestic success, David Healy’s men suffered a rare setback last week, losing the Charity Shield on penalties to Dungannon Swifts.

These two clubs last met competitively in the 2006 Setanta Cup, and Linfield also beat Shels 2-0 at Tolka Park in the 2005 final. Shelbourne will be without suspended defender Sean Gannon, with captain Mark Coyle expected to step into the backline. Harry Wood and Mipo Odubeko are likely to lead the attack after combining early in the win over Cork. Linfield may be without Robbie McDaid, while Chris Shields is suspended. Veteran skipper Jamie Mulgrew is available and in line to add to his club-record tally of 58 European appearances.