Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
On 8 July 2025, the first qualifying round of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League will see Drita face off against Differdange. Let's take a closer look at the likely winner of this intriguing encounter.
Drita
Drita enters the Champions League qualifiers as the reigning champions of Kosovo, clinching the title last season for the first time in four years—their previous triumph dates back to the 2019/20 campaign. Alongside their league success, Drita is a perennial favourite in the national cup, but last season they fell short in the semi-finals, losing to Prishtina, who went on to lift the trophy.
On the continental stage, Drita is a regular participant in the early qualifying rounds. Last year, they competed in the Conference League but exited at the first hurdle, suffering back-to-back defeats to Legia: 0-2 and 0-1.
In preparation for their European campaign, Drita played two friendlies after the season ended. They drew 2-2 with Macedonian side Sileks and secured a 3-1 win over Romania's Farul Constanța.
This upcoming fixture marks the first-ever meeting between Drita and their opponents, adding extra intrigue to this opening round clash.
Differdange
Differdange 03, representing Luxembourg, enter this season as national champions for the second consecutive year and also claimed the Luxembourg Cup to complete a domestic double. Their league form was outstanding, amassing 78 points from 30 matches and finishing with a stunning goal difference: 69 scored, just 7 conceded.
The team's consistency is as impressive as their results. Across their last 21 matches in all competitions, Differdange lost only once—on the final day of the league season. Prior to that, they went unbeaten in 20 straight games, making them one of the most resilient sides in this qualifying round.
European experience is limited for Differdange. Last year, they also started in the Champions League qualifiers, facing Klaksvik from the Faroe Islands. The Luxembourg side drew 0-0 at home but lost 0-2 away, bowing out at the first stage.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Drita are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Differdange are unbeaten in 20 of their last 21 matches.
- The teams have never met before in official competition.
Probable line-ups
- Drita: Maloku, Krasniqi, Bejtulai, Mesa, Owuka, Zilfiu, Broja, Mustafa, Tusha, Manaj, Fressange.
- Differdange: Da Costa, Bedure, Beyi, Cerqueira, Di Ansico, Gustavo, Richelmi, Buch, Varela, El-Idrissi, Leandro.
Match prediction: Drita vs Differdange
This clash is a crucial stage for both sides, but Drita look like the favourites for the opening leg. The home advantage is also a significant factor, as Drita will be eager to capitalise on their support and secure a solid result ahead of the return fixture in Luxembourg. Despite Differdange's impressive form, Drita have a better chance to claim victory in this first match and take a step towards the second round. My prediction for this match is a Drita win, with odds of 1.96.
