The first match of the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 Conference League between Ilves (Finland) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) will take place on July 24 at the Tammela Stadium in Tampere. Ilves vs. AZ Alkmaar: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ilves
In the first qualifying round of the Europa League, the Finnish club was eliminated by Shakhtar Donetsk over two legs and continued their campaign in the second round of the Conference League qualifiers. Despite a heavy defeat in the first match, the team managed to regroup and secured a draw (0-0) at home. This was their first home European match against such a high-profile opponent where Ilves did not lose. It should be noted that the team has only participated in this stage of the Conference League qualifiers once before – last season. Then, the Finns managed to progress through the round but were halted in the next qualifying stage.
- In 6 of the last 8 matches in European competitions, both teams scored.
- Ilves has not lost by more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 European matches.
- Three or more goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 European tournament matches.
Predicted lineup for Ilves (3-5-2)
Otso Virtanen – Matias Rale, Tatu Miettunen, Sauli Väisänen – Anton Popovitch, Kalle Vallius, Jonna Veteli, Oiva Jukkola, Marius Söderbäck – Adeleke Akinyemi, Roope Riski.
AZ Alkmaar
In the Dutch championship, teams finishing from 5th to 8th place contested a spot in the Conference League. The format included two semifinals and a final, each round consisting of one match. AZ Alkmaar won both matches and secured their place in the Conference League. Previously, the club has participated in this tournament three times, reaching the semifinals in the 2022/23 season. Last season, the team competed in the main stage of the Europa League, earning 11 points and finishing in 19th place overall (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses). In the playoffs, the Dutch first defeated Galatasaray but then lost to the eventual tournament winners, Tottenham Hotspur.
During the off-season, forwards Ruben van Bommel and Jayden Addai left the club.
- The team lost 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Conference League (1 win, 1 draw).
- AZ Alkmaar conceded at least one goal in 9 of their last 10 games in this tournament.
- More than three goals were scored in 4 of the last 5 away matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Jeroen Zoet – Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Mees de Wit, Denso Kasius – Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners, Kees Smit – Ro-Zangelo Daal, Troy Parrott, Ernest Poku.
Referee
Matteo Marchenaro (Italy)
Matches – 9 (International matches and Italian championship, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 45;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 33%.
Ilves vs. AZ Alkmaar: Match Prediction
The Finnish club approaches the match with several significant advantages. In European competitions, the team has played 9 matches and only twice lost by more than one goal. The team plays especially confidently at home – in four home European matches, they have never lost by more than one goal. Moreover, Ilves has an artificial pitch, making it challenging for opponents, especially those like AZ Alkmaar, who are accustomed to natural grass, to adapt.
Additionally, the Finnish championship is in full swing, while the Dutch have yet to play an official game this season, which may affect the players' physical readiness. It is also worth noting that AZ Alkmaar has not won by more than one goal in their last 13 away Conference League games, as well as in their previous 19 away matches in European competitions.
Considering all this, my prediction: Ilves with a handicap (+1.5)
