FC Copenhagen vs Raków Częstochowa Prediction (30.08.2023)

After weeks and weeks of qualifying rounds, it’s all come down to this as we arrive at the play-offs. A parade of clubs across Europe are hoping to book their ticket to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, but they’ve got one last step to go before they can get there. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the second leg clash between FC Copenhagen and Rakow Czestochowa.

FC Copenhagen have been known as a team that can take a few scalps here and there in the Champions League and as two-time defending champions in Denmark, their confidence will be pretty high right now. They have a strong crop of prospects to run alongside their veteran talent which, in our view, could well be enough to get them firing in this tie and beyond.

Copenhagen managed the first leg as if they were the reigning champions going into a tough away day. They scored early, held tight at the back, and didn’t take any unnecessary risks - and it ended with them securing a 1-0 win.

After being viewed as little more than the bridesmaid for so many years, Rakow Czestochowa finally stood up and made their presence known by capturing the Ekstraklasa championship last season. Now, of course, it’s all about solidifying themselves as the very best. One way in which they could do that is by backing up their domestic joy with some excitement across the continent.

Rakow had slightly more possession and more than double the shots of their opponents in the first leg, but in reality, they just didn’t push hard enough. They wound up with a 1-0 defeat but if they were a bit more aggressive, a draw wasn’t out of reach.

Rakow are going to come at Copenhagen with everything they’ve got, as they should, given that this could be a once in a generation opportunity for them. This feels like a game that’ll go down to the wire but in the end, we’re going to favour the draw, thus sending the Danes through.