Paksi SE vs Corvinul Hunedoara Prediction 11.07.2024 | Europa League

• Competition: UEFA Europa League Qualifying - First round 1st leg
• Date: Thursday, 11th, July 2024
• Kickoff: 18:00 UTC +1 / 19.00 CEST
• Venue: Fehervari uti stadion (Paks)

Paksi FC will host CS Corvinul Hunedoara on Thursday at Fehervari uti Stadion in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round clash.

Even though they fell short of wrestling for the championship title, Paksi FC can be proud of their vice-champion finish from last season, which secured them their first entry into the UEFA second-tier competition qualifiers since the 2011-12 season. Despite the league title slipping away a few rounds before the end, Atomcsapat capped off their successful season spectacularly by toppling the record winners Ferencvaros in a dramatic Magyar Kupa final with a routine 2-0 win after extra time to claim their first trophy in club's history.

The sole club entering the first round of Europa League qualifiers without top-tier league status is Romanian second-tier side Corvinul, who secured their maiden appearance on the European stage by winning the national cup, defeating Otelul in the final via a tense penalty shootout. Despite finishing last season in the second division of Romania in an automatic promotion spot, the Hunedoara-based club is ineligible to compete in the Romanian top-flight until they reorganize into a privately-owned entity, as stipulated by league rules.

Paksi SE vs Corvinul Hunedoara Betting Tips: AH1 (-1.0)

The rules of the Romanian Football Federation are quite specific and peculiar, requiring the Corvinul team to choose between advancing in the top division or Europe, with them opting for the latter and remaining under state ownership to participate in European football. Ahead of their debut European appearance, the Ravens harbor doubts, having carried over their disappointing form from the preseason - losing to both Celje and Borac Banja Luka with combined 0-5 results - into their first official match of the new campaign, experiencing a three-goal debacle at the hands of FCSB in the Romanian Super Cup. 

In contrast, Paksi have boosted their team spirit ahead of the upcoming European battle, having demolished Austria Wien 3-1 over the weekend, a side that has often featured in the group stages of UEFA tournaments in recent seasons. In addition, the Nuclear Team have displayed a sharp edge in front of goal during their preparations, netting 14 times across five friendlies, and they will be determined to carry their free-scoring form into the midweek European contest to build a healthy lead in front of their faithful fans, where they typically shine.