New Saintsvs.Ferencvaros

After recording a dominant 5-0 win in the home leg, Ferencvaros just have to apply the finishing touches in the second leg of the second-round qualifying tie.

Match preview

Last season, Ferencvaros celebrated a sixth consecutive league title to clinch a spot in the second qualifying round of UEFA's elite club competition.

The Hungarian champions are dreaming of reaching the Champions League main draw for the first time since the 2020-21 season.

Ferencvaros are already well set to overcome their first hurdle in qualifying after cruising to a 5-0 victory in last week's first leg against TNS, with Adama Traore netting a hat-trick alongside goals from Kristoffer Zachariassen and Marquinhos.

Having established a comfortable cushion, Ferencvaros are now on the verge of progressing to the third round of Champions League qualifying for the fourth time in five seasons.

They have proven to be a tough team to beat in recent away games in the competition, having won one and drawn three of their previous four away matches in Champions League qualifying.

TNS are competing in Champions League qualifying after winning their third successive Cymru Premier title last season.

In contrast to their opponents, TNS had to negotiate their way through the first round of qualifying, claiming a 4-1 aggregate victory over Montenegrin side Decic.

Unfortunately for the Welsh champions, their hopes of progressing to the next stage are all but over after they shipped five goals without reply in Hungary last week, including three goals in the space of 10 minutes in a disastrous first half.

While the tie may be effectively over as a contest, TNS can at least take comfort from the fact they are guaranteed a spot in the third round of Europa League qualifying.

If they do drop down, TNS, who most recently competed in the Europa League 2020-21, will face the loser of the Champions League qualifying tie between APOEL and Petrocub Hincesti.

The New Saints Champions League form:

W

D

L

Ferencvaros Champions League form:

W

Team News

Ferencvaros are unable to call upon Barnabas Varga, who is recovering from a head injury he sustained while representing Hungry at Euro 2024.

After seeing his side cruise to a comfortable first-leg win, Ferencvaros boss Pascal Jensen could be tempted to name an unchanged side for the second leg.

Traore will provide one of the visitors' main goal threats after netting the second hat-trick of his senior career in the first leg.

As for TNS, they still remain without the services of defender Ryan Astles, who is continuing to work on his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Manager Craig Harrison could be tempted to make a change in midfield, with Rory Holden in contention to start the second leg.

Brad Young is set to lead the line for the hosts, with the striker looking to produce the sort of performance that saw him score three goals across the two legs against Decic.

The New Saints possible starting lineup:

Dibusz; Makreckis, Cisse, Gustavo, Ramirez; Rommens, Maiga, Traore, Zachariassen, Marquinhos; Pesic

Ferencvaros possible starting lineup:

Roberts; Daniels, Pask, Bodenham, Davies; Redmond, Smith, Holden; Brobbel, Williams, Young

We say: The New Saints 1-3 Ferencvaros

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