The race to the Champions League proper is heating up, and we’ve got all the latest in-depth betting analysis and tips from the second-round ties.
As ever with the early rounds, the form book was thrown out of the window during the first legs, causing some random results, which the bookies definitely didn’t see coming.
Even though the teams have some of the lowest UEFA coefficient ratings in the tournament, this unpredictability can create immense value, which is exactly what we’re all about.
Today’s Champions League Qualifier Tips
This week’s acca pays £110.80 from just a £10 stake with bet365.
| Game | Market | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| KF Drita vs FC Copenhagen | Over 2.5 Goals | 4/5 |
| Panathinaikos vs Rangers | Over 2.5 Goals | 4/5 |
| Servette vs Viktoria Plzen | Both Teams to Score | 4/5 |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Pafos FC | Maccabi Tel Aviv to Win | 9/10 |
*Odds correct as of 11:30am 28/07/2025. Odds subject to change.
KF Drita vs FC Copenhagen – Over 2.5 Goals
FC Copenhagen dominated the first leg, running out 2-0 winners. It was a really one-sided game where they enjoyed 65.3% possession, had 16 shots (five on target) and realistically, should have put this tie to bed.
As it stands, the scoreline suggests that KF Drita could still cause an upset here. They had a couple of chances to nick a goal with eight shots overall, but lacked quality when the opportunities arose.
Odds of 21/50 (70.4% implied probability) look reasonable for FC Copenhagen to win the second leg, but we’ve decided to shift our attention to the goals market, which has a higher ceiling in terms of value.
It’s a small sample, but the Danes have scored five and conceded two in their opening two league matches, and this is a game that could open up for them. KF Drita need to push, and if they’re a little more clinical, could get on the scoresheet.
FCK are creating volume, and Drita must chase, which creates a transition for chances. Odds of 4/5 (55.6%) for over 2.5 goals is the value play here and the first of our Champions League second round qualifier tips.
Panathinaikos vs Rangers – Over 2.5 Goals
Rangers did what they needed to do in the first leg and ran out worthy 2-0 winners on the night. But like FC Copenhagen, this tie should be done and dusted.
The Gers dominated possession (76%) and played some lovely sweeping football at times, but failed to capitalise on a 58th-minute red card for Georgios Vagiannidis.
What Panathinaikos showed is that they have the quality to create, even with ten men. They must score, and we think they will if they play similarly to the first leg.
Rangers have shown that under Russell Martin, they enjoy counterattacking, and their game plan is likely to be to sit deep, protect their lead and exploit the counter.
It’s a close game to call in terms of the result, even though the bookies have the Greeks as 8/11 (57.9%) favourites. An early goal could open the floodgates here, and given the sheer volume of chances created in the first game, it means that 4/5 (55.6%) for over 2.5 goals looks a really solid bet.
Servette vs Viktoria Plzen – Both Teams to Score Yes
Servette beating Viktoria Plzen was the shock of the first legs. A game that the Czech side were short favourites to win turned into a bit of a nightmare 90 minutes for them.
They had a whopping 25 shots at goal, but were unable to find the bit of quality needed to get on the scoresheet.
The flip side was that Servette were clinical. Only six shots, but could have scored two or three in a game that tactically they got spot on.
Plzen need a goal and will want to open up the game to get that. They can create volume, which was proved in the first leg, but Servette will be strong on the break once again.
We think both teams have a great chance of scoring in this game, and BTTS Yes priced at 4/5 makes the third part of our Champions League qualifying acca.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Pafos FC – Maccabi Tel Aviv to Win
It took a little while for the first leg to get going, but it sprang into life on 81 minutes when Bassouamina put the home team ahead. This sparked a flurry of bookings for Pafos FC after the 90 minutes, only to concede in 90 +10 for what would have been a memorable win.
At 1-1, this tie is beautifully poised. But MTA have the edge at home, and this is where we will be looking as part of our acca bet.
They’ve scored 14 goals in three late-season matches, and that will be key on Wednesday evening.
There’s upside to backing the over 2.5 goals based on this alone, but we think the value is in the 9/10 price for an MTA home win. They have more experience in these bigger games than the Cypriots, and this will bear fruit as they proceed to the next round.