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Tuesday's Champions League predictions including Panathinaikos vs. Braga

sportsmole.co.uk, 29 August 2023, 05:00
Young Boys vs. Maccabi Haifa (Tuesday, 8.00pm)

Young Boys will be looking to secure their place in the 2023-24 Champions League group stages when they take on Maccabi Haifa in the second leg of the playoffs at Stadion Wankdorf on Tuesday evening.

The first leg last week was a closely contested encounter that ended goalless with very few chances created, and both sides will be looking for a brisk start in this match in search of the first goal, which could prove to be crucial.

We say: Young Boys 2-1 Maccabi Haifa

Both sides were determined not to concede in the first leg, but we expect them to take a few more risks in this match with a place in the Champions League groups stages now within touching distance. Young Boys have an excellent home record, and we fancy them to just about edge this one by the odd goal.

Panathinaikos vs. Braga (Tuesday, 8.00pm)

Protecting a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Champions League qualifying playoff tie, Braga make the arduous journey to Greece to meet Panathinaikos in Tuesday's return encounter.

Artur Jorge's men were seconds away from taking a two-goal lead to Athens, but a last-gasp response from Panathinaikos has the Greek giants in with a strong chance at salvation.

We say: Panathinaikos 1-1 Braga (Braga win 3-2 on aggregate)

Needing to cling onto a slender advantage at a stadium where Panathinaikos are seldom outclassed, an injury to Al-Musrati is exactly what the doctor did not order for Braga, who may have to adopt a more cautious approach if the Libyan is not passed fit.

Jorge's difference-makers in the final third can still create something out of nothing if needed, and while most of Panathinaikos' big-hitters are well-rested, a low-scoring draw will suffice for the Archbishops.

Galatasaray vs. Molde (Tuesday, 8.00pm)

Following a five-goal spectacular in last week's opening encounter, Turkish giants Galatasaray and Norwegian powerhouses Molde renew hostilities in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying playoff tie on Tuesday.

Okan Buruk's men travelled home from Scandinavia with a 3-2 triumph in the bag and now welcome Molde to Istanbul intent on finishing what they started at Aker Stadion.

We say: Galatasaray 2-0 Molde (Galatasaray win 5-2 on aggregate)

Molde have not let a first-leg deficit extinguish their Champions League dreams so far this summer, but demoting Galatasaray to Europa League football in Istanbul is surely a pipe dream for Moe's men.

With the tough-tackling Torreira back in the fold and Ziyech potentially being given the chance to make an early mark at Rams Park, the hosts should revert to type defensively and flaunt their enviable offensive talent to punch their ticket to the group stage.

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