Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Tuesday, July 8, in the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League, Iberia 1999 will face Malmö. Here’s my pick for the winner of this clash.
Interesting facts and head-to-head history
- Iberia 1999 will play in the Champions League qualifiers for only the second time in its history.
- This is the first time Iberia 1999 faces a Swedish team in European competition.
- Malmö have won just 1 of their last 6 matches across all competitions.
- Malmö have reached the Champions League group stage three times in their history, most recently in the 2021/22 season.
- Malmö will play a Georgian team for the first time ever.
Match preview
Iberia 1999 previously played under the name Saburtalo, which European football fans might remember. Last season, the red-and-whites claimed the Georgian championship for only the second time in their history, finishing six points clear of Dila Gori. The last time the club appeared in the Champions League, they were knocked out by Dinamo Zagreb (0-2 and 0-3) in the second qualifying round.
Iberia 1999's squad is made up almost entirely of Georgian players, so there aren’t many familiar names for international fans. Still, this is a well-drilled team that plays with attacking intent. The captain and talisman of Iberia 1999 is Gizo Mamageishvili, who some may recall from his appearances for Georgia U-21 at the European Championship.
Malmö are an experienced side and the dominant force in Swedish football. Last season, the sky blues lifted the Swedish title for a record 24th time.
Unlike Iberia 1999, Malmö are in the thick of their domestic campaign, as the Swedish league runs on a spring-to-autumn schedule and just completed its 15th round. However, things aren’t going smoothly for Malmö, who currently sit only fifth, already 10 points adrift of the league leaders. In their previous match, Malmö drew 0-0 with GAIS, following a 1-1 draw with Mjällby.
Probable lineups
- Iberia 1999: Megrelishvili – Gelashvili, Tabatadze, Jgerrenaya, Agyakwa – Kardava, Silagadze, Tabatadze, Mamageishvili, Dadiani – Sikharulidze
- Malmö: Olsen – Buzanello, Resler, Larsen, Karlsson – Bolin, Rosengren, Busuladjic, Hakšabanović – Ali, Gudjohnsen
Prediction for Iberia 1999 — Malmö
Iberia 1999 will surely be a tough opponent for the Swedish champions, but they remain clear underdogs. My bet is on the visitors to take the win in this match.
