Icelanders need a football miracle: prediction for Víkingur Reykjavik vs Thun
The second leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round between Víkingur Reykjavik and Thun will take place on August 13, 2026, in Reykjavik. The Swiss side claimed a commanding 3-0 victory in the first match, leaving the hosts in desperate need of a near-perfect comeback to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.
Víkingur Reykjavik: three goals behind and defensive woes
The first leg was a nightmare for the Icelanders: by the 24th minute they were already trailing 0-2, and then conceded a third goal in stoppage time. Across their last eight matches in all competitions, Víkingur have managed just two wins - one of them a 2-1 triumph over Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Champions League qualifiers.
The defense, in particular, is a major concern - Solvi Ottesen's team has conceded at least two goals in each of their last four outings. In the Icelandic league, their grip at the top of the table has also weakened: their lead has been cut to six points after picking up just eight points from their last five fixtures.
Thun: a huge cushion despite inconsistent form
The Swiss have all but secured their place in the next round with a 3-0 home win, but their domestic form is far from convincing. In the opening three rounds of the Super League, Thun have collected only three points, conceding a total of ten goals in matches against Young Boys and Basel.
Still, the visitors' attack remains a constant threat. Leighton Stewart found the net against Basel, Brighton Labo also scored in that encounter, and for the return leg the coaching staff may recall Michael Hoyle, Justin Roth, and Valmir Matoshi to the starting lineup. Marco Bürki has served his one-match suspension and is available for selection again.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Thun won the first leg 3-0.
- Víkingur have won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- The Icelandic side have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four games.
The visitors' huge advantage leaves no margin for error: prediction for Víkingur Reykjavik vs Thun
Víkingur have no choice but to go forward and take risks from the opening whistle, as a three-goal deficit leaves them with no alternative. However, their persistent defensive lapses make such an aggressive approach especially dangerous against an opponent that can exploit open spaces with lethal efficiency.
Thun are far from flawless themselves and have been leaking goals in recent matches, so a one-sided affair is unlikely. Nevertheless, the gulf in class and the comfortable cushion from the first leg allow the Swiss to play with composure and wait for their chances on the counter-attack.
