The first match of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Malmo (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) will take place on August 5 at the Malmo New Stadium. Malmo vs. Copenhagen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Malmo
The Swedish club has already passed two qualifying rounds, winning all four matches. In the 21st century, they have participated in the third qualifying round seven times, advancing five times. Additionally, their national championship is in full swing, and after 17 rounds, Malmo is in 3rd place with 33 points.
- The team has scored in 6 of their last 8 home matches in the Champions League.
- The club has not won in 6 of their last 8 home matches in European competitions (2 draws, 4 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in 10 of Malmo's last 11 Champions League games.
Projected lineup for Malmo (5-4-1)
Robin Olsen – Andrej Djuric, Gabriel Busanello, Jens Stryger Larsen, Colin Rosler, Pontus Jansson – Oliver Berg, Otto Rosengren, Sead Haksabanovic, Taha Ali – Hugo Bolin.
Copenhagen
The Danes successfully navigated the second qualifying round of the Champions League by defeating Drita in both matches. The team has previously played at this stage 14 times, advancing 10 times. Also, note that the Danish championship recently started, and after two rounds, Copenhagen has the maximum number of points.
- The team has not scored more than one goal in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Champions League.
- There was no exchange of goals in 9 of the club's last 12 away games in this tournament.
- A maximum of three goals have been scored in Copenhagen's last eight European competition matches.
Projected lineup for Copenhagen (5-4-1)
Dominik Kotarski – Birger Meling, Gabriel Pereira, Munashe Garananga, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Rodrigo Ueskas – Lukas Lerager, Mohamed Elias Achouri, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Thomas Delaney – Andreas Cornelius.
Forward Youssoufa Moukoko is injured and may miss the match.
Referee
Joao Pedro Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 23%.
Match Prediction for Malmo vs. Copenhagen
In this Champions League campaign, Malmo has shown confident performances, winning all their matches. Additionally, the team has not lost in 6 of their last 8 encounters in this tournament. Considering the form of the players, who have been competing in the national championship all summer, I expect the Swedes to deliver a strong result in the upcoming match.
Copenhagen, on the other hand, is less prepared for the game, having returned from a break just a month ago and played only 4 official matches. It's also worth noting that in the Champions League, the Danes have won only one of their last five away games. Moreover, in the previous European season in the Conference League, the team secured victories in just three of eight matches.
My prediction: Malmo win or draw
