On 12 March 2026, the UEFA Europa Conference League knockout stage continues with important fixtures as teams compete for a place in the next round of the competition. With the stakes increasing, clubs are expected to approach these matches with a careful balance of attacking intent and defensive organization.
Tactical discipline, squad depth, and efficiency in key moments could prove decisive, especially in tightly contested encounters where small details may determine qualification. The Conference League once again promises competitive matchups and high-pressure situations as teams across Europe aim to keep their continental ambitions alive.
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AZ Alkmaar vs Sparta Prague
AZ Alkmaar finished the group stage in 14th place with 10 points earned. After 6 matches, they had three wins, one draw, and two losses, with a goal difference of 7:7, showing a fairly balanced performance. In the round of 16, they defeated Noah with an overall score of 4:1 and confidently advanced to the next stage.
In attack, Mijnans, Jensen, and de Wit stand out, bringing creativity and dynamism to the game. Defensively, the team is well-organized and disciplined. At home, they play with a high tempo and confidence. Their style is offensive, featuring a lot of movement and quick attacks.
Sparta Prague completed the group stage in 4th place with 13 points earned. After 6 matches, they had four wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 10:3, indicating a strong defense and good efficiency.
In attack, Haraslin, Preciado, and Sadilek shine, adding creativity and energy to the game. The team plays with discipline and has good organization in the midfield. When playing away, they are careful and try to control the game. Their style is structured and tactically stable.
AZ Alkmaar will try to take advantage of their home crowd and aggressive style of play, while Sparta Prague has a solid defense and good organization. A close match is expected, with a slight edge for the home team.
1 (AZ Alkmaar to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Lech Poznan vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Lech Poznan finished the group stage in 11th place with 10 points. After 6 matches, they had three wins, one draw, and two losses, with a goal difference of 12:8. This shows they had a solid offense but some defensive issues too. In the round of 16, they beat KuPS with an overall score of 3:0, securing their spot in the next round.
Key players in attack include Ishak, Ismaheel, and Palma, who bring speed and creativity. At home, they play with a lot of energy and an aggressive approach. Their style is direct, featuring quick transitions and offensive play.
Shakhtar Donetsk wrapped up the group stage in 6th place with 13 points. After 6 matches, they achieved four wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 10:5. This indicates good organization and a strong defense.
In attack, Nazaryna, Kaua Elias, and Luca Meirelles stand out for their creativity and technical skills. The team plays a technical style of football with a lot of possession and combinations. When playing away, they try to control the game and the pace. Their style is balanced and tactically disciplined.
Lech Poznan will try to take advantage of their home crowd and aggressive style, while Shakhtar has more European experience and technical skill. A close match is expected, with a slight edge for the visitors.
X2 (Draw or Shakhtar Donetsk to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Rijeka vs Strasbourg
Rijeka finished the group stage in 16th place with 9 points earned. After 6 matches, they had two wins, three draws, and one loss with a goal difference of 5:2, showing solid defensive stability. In the round of 16, they defeated Omonia with an overall score of 4:1, confirming their good form.
In attack, Adu Adjei, Fruk, and Petrovic stand out, bringing speed and energy. Defensively, the team is well-organized and disciplined. At home, they play aggressively with strong support from the fans. Their style is combative with quick transitions.
Strasbourg finished the group stage in first place with 16 points earned. After 6 matches, they had five wins and one draw with a goal difference of 11:5, indicating a stable defense and an effective attack.
In attack, Godo, Enciso, and Nanasi shine, providing creativity and finishing. The team plays technical football with good organization and ball control. Away from home, they perform with discipline and tactical stability. Their style is balanced and well-structured.
Rijeka will try to use the home crowd and their fighting spirit, while Strasbourg has better quality and stability in their game. A close match is expected, but I give a slight edge to the visitors for the win.
2 (Strasbourg to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano
Samsunspor finished the group stage in 12th place with 10 points. After 6 matches, they had three wins, one draw, and two losses, with a goal difference of 10:6, showing a solid attack and stable organization.
In the 1/16 finals, they defeated Shkendija with an overall score of 5:0, making it pretty easy to advance to the next round. In attack, Marius, Holse, and Musaba stand out, bringing speed and creativity. Defensively, the team plays in a disciplined and compact manner. At home, they play aggressively and with a lot of energy. Their style is direct with quick transitions.
Rayo Vallecano finished the group stage in 5th place with 13 points. After 6 matches, they had four wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 13:7, indicating a good offense and solid organization.
In attack, Garcia, Espino, and Perez shine, providing creativity and efficiency. The team plays technical football with lots of movement and ball control. When playing away, they try to play disciplined and control the pace. Their style is dynamic and offensive.
Samsunspor will try to take advantage of their home crowd and aggressive style, while Rayo Vallecano has better quality and technical stability. An interesting and balanced match is expected, with chances for both teams.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Celje vs AEK Athens
Celje finished the group stage in 13th place with 10 points earned. After 6 matches, they had three wins, one draw, and two losses, with a goal difference of 8:7, showing a relatively balanced performance. In the round of 16, they defeated Drita with an overall score of 6:4 in an effective two-leg match.
In attack, Kovacevic, Iosifov, and Karnicnik stand out, bringing energy and creativity. Defensively, the team plays compactly and with discipline. At home, they play aggressively and receive great support from the fans. Their style is dynamic with quick transitions.
AEK Athens finished the group stage in 3rd place with 13 points earned. After 6 matches, they had four wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 14:7, indicating a strong offense and good organization.
In attack, Jovic, Koita, and Kutesa shine, bringing speed and creativity. The team plays technical football with good ball control and organized play in the midfield. When playing away, they perform with discipline and tactical stability. Their style is offensive and well-structured.
Celje will try to take advantage of their home atmosphere and aggressive style, but AEK Athens has more experience and individual talent. A dynamic match is expected with at least three goals, and I give a slight edge to the visiting team.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace finished the group stage in 10th place with 10 points. After 6 matches, they had three wins, one draw, and two losses, with a goal difference of 11:6, showing a solid offense and good organization.
In the Round of 16, they defeated Zrinjski with an overall score of 3:1, securing their spot in the next round. Key players in attack include Nketiah, Uche, and Sarr, who bring speed and creativity. Defensively, the team plays compactly and with discipline. At home, they play aggressively and at a high pace. Their style is dynamic with quick transitions.
AEK Larnaca finished the group stage in 8th place with 12 points. After 6 matches, they had three wins, three draws, and no losses, with a goal difference of 7:1, indicating a very stable defense.
In attack, Bajic, Rohden, and Angielski stand out, bringing energy and finishing skills. The team plays with discipline, good tactical organization, and a compact defense. When playing away, they are careful and try to control the game. Their style is structured and tactically stable.
Crystal Palace will try to take advantage of their home crowd and an attacking style, while AEK Larnaca will rely on a disciplined defense. The match is expected to be one where the home team has a slight edge.
1 & T1 2+ (Crystal Palace to Win & Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Fiorentina vs Rakow
Fiorentina finished the group stage in 15th place with 9 points. After 6 matches, they had three wins and three losses, with a goal difference of 8:5, showing a solid offense but some ups and downs in their form. In the round of 16, they defeated Jagiellonia with an overall score of 5:4 in a very efficient two-leg match.
Key players in attack include Gudmundsson, Ndour, and Dzeko, who bring experience and creativity. Defensively, the team can be stable when playing at home. Their style is technical, featuring many combinations and an offensive approach.
Rakow finished the group stage in second place with 14 points. After 6 matches, they had four wins and two draws, with a goal difference of 9:2, indicating a very stable defense and disciplined play.
In attack, Diaby-Fadiga, Brunes, and Repka stand out for their speed and finishing ability. The team plays organized with a compact defense and quick counterattacks. When playing away, they are careful and tactically disciplined.
Fiorentina will try to take advantage of the home crowd and their attacking style, while Rakow relies on discipline and a strong defense. A close match is expected, with a slight edge for the Italian team.
1 (Fiorentina to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
Sigma Olomouc finished the group stage in 24th place with 7 points. After playing 6 matches, they had two wins, one draw, and three losses, with a goal difference of 7:9. In the 1/16 finals, they defeated Lausanne with an overall score of 3:2. Recently, they have been in good form with several consecutive wins.
In attack, Ghali, Kral, and Vasulin stand out as the most dangerous players in the final moments. The team plays more offensively at home and tries to create pressure through quick attacks and a high tempo.
Mainz completed the group stage in 7th place with 13 points. After 6 matches, they had four wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of 7:3, showing disciplined defense and a stable team balance.
In attack, Amiri, Lee Jae-Sung, and Hollerbach are highlighted as the main creators and scorers. The team plays in an organized manner, with a well-structured defense and quick transitions to attack, which is especially dangerous when playing away.
Sigma Olomouc will try to play aggressively at home, but Mainz has a better and more experienced team with a stronger defense. A tactical match is expected, with a slight advantage for the German team.
X2 (Mainz or Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
This article is part of Conference League Round 5.
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