The first leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Malmö (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) will take place on August 5 at Malmö New Stadium. Malmö vs. Copenhagen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Malmö
The Swedish club has already advanced through two qualifying rounds, winning all four matches. In the 21st century, the club has participated in the third qualifying round seven times and successfully advanced on five occasions. Notably, the best result during this period was reaching the group stage. The national championship is in full swing, and after 17 rounds, they are in 3rd place with 33 points.
- The team has scored at least one goal in 6 of their last 8 home games in the Champions League.
- The club has not won 6 of their last 8 home matches in European competitions (2 draws, 4 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in 10 of Malmö's last 11 Champions League games.
Predicted lineup for Malmö (5-4-1)
Robin Olsen – Andrej Djuric, Gabriel Busanello, Jens Stryger Larsen, Colin Rösler, Pontus Jansson – Oliver Berg, Otto Rosengren, Sead Haksabanovic, Taha Ali – Hugo Bolin.
Copenhagen
The Danes successfully overcame Drita from Kosovo in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, winning both matches. At this stage, the team has played 14 times before and successfully advanced on 10 occasions. Overall, the club has participated in the Champions League 17 times, with their best result being reaching the first playoff round. The Danish championship has already started: after two rounds, Copenhagen has six points and is in second place.
- The team has not scored more than one goal in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Champions League.
- In 9 of the club's last 12 away games in this tournament, there was no exchange of goals.
- A maximum of three goals have been scored in the Danes' last eight matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for Copenhagen (5-4-1)
Dominik Kotarski – Birger Meling, Gabriel Pereira, Munashe Garananga, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Rodrigo Ueskas – Lukas Lerager, Mohamed Elias Ashouri, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Thomas Delaney – Andreas Cornelius.
Forward Youssoufa Moukoko is injured and may miss the match.
Referee
João Pedro Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 23%.
Malmö vs. Copenhagen: Match Prediction
In this Champions League campaign, Malmö has been playing confidently and has won all their matches so far. Moreover, the team has not lost in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament, and given the players' steady form, competing all summer in the national championship, there are grounds to expect a good result from the Swedes in the upcoming match.
Copenhagen approaches the game less prepared: just a month ago, the team returned from vacation and has managed to play only 4 official matches. Notably, in the Champions League, the Danes have won only one of their last five away matches. Additionally, in the previous European season, competing in the Conference League, they managed to secure victory in only 3 of 8 matches.
Considering all this, my prediction: Malmö win or draw
