Cagliari, meanwhile, are battling to stay clear of the relegation zone, making this a clash between title ambition and survival urgency.

Las Palmas are pushing hard for a top-six finish and a playoff spot, while Leganes are trying to stabilize their season and potentially sneak into contention. The stakes, however, clearly favor the home side.

Blackburn are still fighting for survival, while Coventry are closing in on a Premier League return. Motivation, therefore, plays a crucial role in shaping expectations for this encounter.

Despite the aggregate advantage, Shakhtar’s away form and defensive focus will be tested against a Dutch side known for high-scoring home performances and aggressive attacking football.

Betis enter the return leg with stronger squad depth, home advantage, and more consistent European performances, while Braga arrive as dangerous underdogs capable of moments of brilliance but lacking stability in big away fixtures.

Bologna, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after a disappointing first-leg result and inconsistent European form. They will need something special to overturn the deficit against one of the most structured sides in the competition.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, return home needing a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit. With momentum slowly rebuilding under new management and European inconsistency defining their season, this tie remains alive—but heavily tilted toward the visitors.

Strasbourg must chase goals, but Mainz’s compact defensive approach and recent European confidence suggest this will not be an open game.

The two teams met for the first time last week in the first leg of this quarterfinal tie. Rayo Vallecano took control of the matchup with a strong home performance, building a significant aggregate advantage.