UE Santa Coloma vs Midtjylland prediction 23.07.2024

• Competition: Champions League Qualifiers, 2nd Round, 1st Leg
• Date: Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024
• Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CEST
• Venue: Estadi Nacional (Andorra la Vella)

After successfully eliminating Kosovo champions Ballkani FC in the first round, UE Santa Coloma will face Denmark champions Midtjylland in the second round of the Champions League Qualifiers. The first leg will take place at Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella.

UE Santa Coloma had a fantastic last season, winning their first league title and their fourth cup title, marking the best season in the club's history. They continued to make history this year by advancing past the first round of a European competition for the first time ever, overcoming a previous record of 16 losses in 16 appearances with a terrible 4:46 goal difference. Still, in the second round, they will have a really tough challenge, and before the duel, the bookies offer odds around 20 for Santa Coloma to secure the second round.

In the previous several seasons, Midtjylland have been either the best or the second-best team in the country. Last year, they won the title in the thrilling end of the season, where Brondby lost in the last round and eventually gave up the first place to Midtjylland. In European competitions, Midtjylland has performed admirably, reaching the group stage and even the knockout phase of the Europa League and Conference League. They also made it to the Champions League group stage in the 2020/21 season. Now, they are heavy favorites to advance to the third round, and anything less than a decisive victory would be a major surprise.

UE Santa Coloma vs Midtjylland pick: Midtjylland to win and cover the -1.5 AH spread

In the first round, UE Santa Coloma were super lucky to eliminate FC Ballkani. They lost 2:1 in the first leg at home, and in the second leg, they won 1:0 (by an autogoal). UE Santa Coloma won only because they had an extra player for more than half of the game. Before that red card in 38th minute, FC Ballkani were a much better and totally dominated the match.

Also, before that 1:0 win over FC Ballkani, UE Santa Coloma had 17 straight losses in the European Qualifiers, and most of their opponents were much weaker than Midtjylland. 13 of those 17 losses were by two or more goals difference.

On the other hand, Midtjylland had no problems in the 1st or 2nd round of European Qualifiers. This year, Midtjylland had only one game and drew 1:1 against Aarhaus on the road.

Simply, Midtjylland are too good, and considering all the above, anything but a big win for the Denmark champs would be a surprise.