FC Utrecht plays in the second qualifying round of the Europa League against Sheriff Tiraspol from Moldova or FC Prishtina from Kosovo. AZ will face the loser of the two-legged match between Ukrainian Shakhtar Donetsk and Finnish Ilves Tampere in the second preliminary round of the Conference League.
FC Utrecht will play the first match in the second qualifying round on July 24. A week later, the return match is in Utrecht. Sheriff Tiraspol and FC Prishtina still have to decide among themselves which club will qualify for this round. In the draw, FC Utrecht avoided FC Midtjylland and Anderlecht, among others.
If FC Utrecht manages to win the two-legged match, the club must survive two more preliminary rounds to reach the main tournament. If they lose in the second qualifying round, coach Ron Jans’ team will proceed to the third preliminary round of the Conference League.
FC Utrecht is playing European football again for the first time in six years. The Domstedelingen secured a European ticket last season with a fourth-place finish in the Eredivisie.
AZ to Ukraine or Finland
AZ will face Shakhtar Donetsk or Ilves Tampere in the second qualifying round of the Conference League. These clubs will play against each other in the first preliminary round of the Europa League. The loser will play two matches against trainer Maarten Martens’ team.
AZ will also start its European adventure on July 24. A week later, the return match will be played. Like FC Utrecht, the Alkmaarders must survive three rounds to reach the main tournament. AZ secured European football by winning the play-offs.