Malmo vs FC Iberia 1999: UCL Qualifications Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Tuesday, Malmö will play FC Iberia 1999 at Eleda Stadion in a Champions League qualifier. With a two-goal lead, Malmö will be looking to capitalise.

While the home team did win the first leg 3-1 on July 8, they will be bittersweet about the fact that Iberia cut down their 3-0 advantage in the 87th minute to give themselves a chance to advance.

Previous Matches and Head-to-Head

Compared to their league average of 4.6 shots per game, the Swedish hosts' seven shots on target versus Iberia were an improvement offensively.

On July 12, Malmö won the Allsvenskan match 3-1 against Norrköping. With 27 points after 16 matchweeks, they are now in fifth position, seven points behind first-place Mjallby.

The Blue Ones advanced to the penultimate stage of Champions League qualifying last season. Still, they were eliminated in a two-legged match against Sparta Prague in August 2024, losing 2-0 in each leg. As a result, they were placed in the Europa League.

Coach Henrik Rydstrom has been in charge of a winning streak for his squad as of late. In their last five games, they have gone winless, scored ten goals, and allowed three.

While Malmö has won their past two home games, they have gone win-loss and drawn in their last four matches played at Eleda Stadion.

The three games played by Iberia before Tuesday's encounter resulted in a 7-2 loss for the visitors.

At the midway point of the first half of the season, the Georgian side has 44 points, six more than second-place Dila Gori.

Although they have only managed to keep one clean sheet in nine games under head coach Levan Korgalidze, their ten goals surrendered is the best record of any club in the division.

The Red Eagles last participated in the Champions League qualification in 2019, when they were ousted in the second round of the competition. In 2024, they were also eliminated from the Conference League qualifying in the third round.

Iberia has won five of their last nine away matches, all of which were league contests. However, in their previous two European away games, they drew and lost.

Malmö vs FC Iberia 1999 Team News

This photo was taken on July 28, 2024, by Lasse Berg Johnsen of Malmö FF during their UEFA Champions League encounter against Klaksvik. The match took place on July 23, 2024.

Expect Daniel Gudjohnsen and Oliver Berg to start up front for Malmö, as they will likely start the same lineup as the one that won the first leg. Rydstrom will likely make this decision.

Otto Rosengren and Lasse Berg Johnsen were both available for selection on Tuesday after playing vital roles in their team's 3-1 win.

Melker Ellborg, who will replace the injured Johan Dahlin in goal, may be expected to be protected by center-backs Pontus Jansson and Colin Rosler.

Meanwhile, Iberia supporters will hope that wingers Gizo Mamageishvili and Iuri Tabatadze can supply striker Irakli Sikharulidze with the chances he needs to score.

Possibly, Dhoraso Moreo Klas, Armel Junior Zohouri, and Bakar Kardava will start in the middle of defence instead of Giorgi Jgerenaia and Iva Gelashvili.

Our predictions

Malmö to score over 2.5 goals @ 2.12 on Sky247.ng.

With their first-leg triumph under their belts, Malmö can afford to take no chances on Tuesday. The Swedish team is expected to progress, and Iberia will likely press forward in the quest for goals, which might lead to many counter-attack possibilities for the hosts.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.