The UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 first-leg matches took place on Thursday night, and most of the games were very close. Many teams are still fighting for a place in the quarter-finals, and only one club managed to take a really big advantage before the second leg. Several matches also produced exciting attacking football, including games with over 2.5 goals and situations where BTTS (Both Teams To Score) occurred.
Below is a simple breakdown of each matchup, with one important statistic from every team involved after the first leg.
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AZ Alkmaar vs Sparta Praha
The first game between AZ Alkmaar and AC Sparta Praha ended with a narrow 2-1 victory for the Dutch side. AZ played in front of their home fans and created many chances throughout the match.
One of the biggest highlights was the performance of Troy Parrott, the Irish striker who scored twice for AZ. His second goal came in the 87th minute and gave his team an important late advantage before the return leg in Prague.
AZ Alkmaar stat – 9
AZ have now gone nine games without losing against Czech teams in European competitions. Their record during this run is five wins and four draws. This shows that AZ have historically performed well against teams from the Czech Republic.
Even though AZ dominated the match and fired 27 shots, they only won by one goal. The game also produced over 2.5 goals, and BTTS occurred since both teams scored.
Sparta Praha stat – 4
For Sparta, the defeat means they have now lost four matches in this season’s Conference League, including qualification rounds. All four of those losses came by just one goal, showing that their games are usually very tight.
Sparta still have hope because they remain strong at home. If they manage to score early in the second leg, the tie could quickly become very interesting.
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Lech Poznan vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Polish side Lech Poznań lost 3-1 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, putting the Ukrainian club in a strong position ahead of the return match.
The match was exciting and attacking, producing over 2.5 goals and BTTS, as both teams found the net.
Lech Poznan stat – 14
Despite losing, Lech continued an impressive streak. They have now scored in 14 consecutive home matches in European competitions. That consistency in attack could give them hope going into the second leg.
Lech reached the Conference League quarter-finals three years ago, so they know what it takes to go deep in the tournament.
Shakhtar Donetsk stat – 8
Shakhtar also achieved an interesting record. In four matches against Polish teams, they have scored eight goals in total.
Their only defeat during the league phase came against Legia Warszawa, but this time they managed to beat a Polish opponent convincingly. If they avoid defeat in the second leg, Shakhtar could become the first Ukrainian club to reach the Conference League quarter-finals.
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Rijeka vs Strasbourg
Croatian club HNK Rijeka lost 2-1 at home to RC Strasbourg Alsace. The French side took control thanks to goals from Joaquín Panichelli and Martial Godo.
However, Rijeka kept their hopes alive when Ante Majstorović scored late in the match.
Rijeka stat – 25
The match was Rijeka’s 25th game in the Conference League, including qualification matches. Interestingly, they have also conceded exactly 25 goals in those games.
The match again produced over 2.5 goals, and fans also saw BTTS, making it another entertaining European night.
Strasbourg stat – 5
Strasbourg remain undefeated in the Conference League this season. The victory over Rijeka extended their winning streak to five games, which is their longest run in European competitions.
If they avoid defeat in the second leg in France, Strasbourg will reach the quarter-finals and become the fourth different Ligue 1 club to do so in the Conference League.
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Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano
Spanish side Rayo Vallecano defeated Samsunspor 3-1 in Turkey, taking a comfortable advantage into the return leg.
This match clearly delivered excitement, finishing with over 2.5 goals, and BTTS also happened.
Samsunspor stat – 11
The number 11 appeared several times for Samsunspor.
It was their 11th European match in history.
They have now conceded 11 total goals in those games.
They also finished the match with 11 shots.
Samsunspor are playing in European competitions for the first time, so every match is a learning experience.
Rayo Vallecano stat – 12
Rayo’s third goal was very important. It came 12 minutes before the final whistle, giving them a two-goal advantage.
The win also means Rayo have now beaten 12 different teams in European competitions. The Spanish club has never lost at home in Europe, which makes them strong favorites to advance.
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Celje vs AEK Athens
Slovenian team NK Celje suffered the biggest defeat of the round, losing 4-0 at home to AEK Athens.
The Greek side scored all four goals within the first 50 minutes, almost deciding the tie before the second leg.
Celje stat – 2
This was only the second time this season that Celje failed to score at home in the Conference League. Before this year, they had never experienced that situation in the competition.
With a four-goal deficit, they would need a miracle comeback.
AEK Athens stat – 16
AEK have enjoyed great success against Slovenian teams. Across eight matches, they have scored 16 goals.
If they finish the job in the second leg, AEK will reach the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time in 28 years.
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Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
English club Crystal Palace F.C. were held to a 0-0 draw by AEK Larnaca FC.
Even though Palace had more possession and chances, they were unable to score.
Crystal Palace stat – 6
Palace kept their sixth clean sheet in this season’s Conference League. Their defense has been very solid throughout the competition.
However, the lack of goals means the second leg in Cyprus will be extremely important.
AEK Larnaca stat – 0
AEK Larnaca managed an impressive defensive performance, but they failed to record a single shot on target during the match.
Despite that, they still have a chance of reaching their first European quarter-final, especially since they already held Palace scoreless twice in their meetings.
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Fiorentina vs Rakow Czestochowa
Italian side ACF Fiorentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Raków Częstochowa.
The winning goal came very late when Albert Guðmundsson scored a penalty in stoppage time.
The game produced over 2.5 goals, and fans also saw BTTS, making it one of the most exciting ties of the round.
Fiorentina stat – 18
The victory marked Fiorentina’s 18th home win in the Conference League, including qualification matches.
The Italian club has already reached the final of this tournament twice, so they are one of the favorites again this season.
Rakow stat – 3
Rakow’s record against Italian clubs is not very good. This loss was their third defeat in three matches against teams from Serie A.
Still, the Polish side only trails by one goal, meaning the tie is still open.
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Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
Czech team SK Sigma Olomouc drew 0-0 with 1. FSV Mainz 05 in a defensive match with very few chances.
Sigma Olomouc stat – 26
This was Sigma’s first 0-0 draw in European competitions in 26 years. The last time it happened was in the UEFA Cup against RCD Mallorca.
Even though the game ended without goals, Sigma slightly outshot Mainz 8-5.
Mainz stat – 1
Mainz struggled to create opportunities, especially in the first half. During the opening 45 minutes, they managed just one shot, which was their worst half in the Conference League this season.
However, they have been very strong at home, winning all four matches at MEWA Arena in this competition.
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Conclusion
The first legs of the Conference League round of 16 delivered exciting matches, dramatic late goals, and several games with over 2.5 goals and BTTS. While some teams like AEK Athens and Rayo Vallecano gained strong advantages, many ties remain very close.
With the second legs still to come, fans can expect even more drama as clubs fight for a place in the quarter-finals of the Conference League.