The New Saints travel to Lithuania and Connah’s Quay face the Kosovo Champions in the Europa Conference Qualifiers.
FK Kauno Žalgiris v The New Saints | Tuesday, July 20 at 5.00
Second qualifying round first leg of the Europa Conference
After beating Glentoran 3-1 over two stages in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference, The New Saints will face FK Kauno Žalgiris of Lithuania in the second round.
The Lithuanian team beat Europa FC of Gibraltar 2-0 to secure their place in the second round – the first time FK Kauno Žalgiris have reached the second qualifying round in a European competition.
This is the third consecutive season that FK Kauno Žalgiris have reached Europe – with the club losing to Apollon Limassol (0-6) and FK Bodø / Glimt (1-6) in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.
Since the club formed in 2005, FK Kauno Žalgiris finished in their highest ever position last season, 3rd in the Lithuanian A Lyga.
Leo Smith scored a twice – one in the first and the second leg – as the Saints beat Glentoran to claim their place in the second qualifying round, with the midfielder impressing in European fixtures, scoring four in four game since joining TNS last summer.
If the Saints are successful against FK, Anthony Limbrick’s team will need to win another two rounds (3rd qualifying round and a play-off round) to reach the group stages of Uefa’s new competition, The Europa Conference League.
The first leg of the second qualifying round will be played on Wednesday, July 20th at 5.00 at Hikvision Arena, Marijampolė. With the second leg taking place at Park Hall, Oswestry on Thursday, July 29th at 6.15,
Prishtina v Connah’s Quay | Tuesday, 20 July at 5.00
Second qualifying round first leg of the Europa Conference
A Heartbreaking defeat for Connah’s Quay in the first qualifying round of the Champions League as Andy Morrison’s men conceded in the 113th minute of extra time – losing 2-3 against Alashkert over two legs.
Despite losing Connah’s Quay last week, the Welsh Champions will be given a second chance in Europe as they fall into the second qualifying round of the Europa Congress – where the Nomads face Prishtina, the Kosovo Champions.
Prishtina have already played three rounds in Europe this season, beating Folgore (2-0) and Inter d´Escaldes (2-0) in the Champions League pre-qualifying round.
Similar to Connah’s Quay, Prishtina also lost their Champions League first qualifying round – losing 1-6 over two legs to Ferencvárosi of Hungary.
After missing the second leg against Alashkert, Connah’s Quay’s captain, George Horan returns to the squad. He scored a late equaliser in the first leg against Alashkert after the Armenians took a 1-2 lead.
The first leg between Prishtina and Connah’s Quay will be played on Tuesday, July 20 at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Prishtina, with the second leg taking place at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth on Thursday, July 29.
