Will Hammarby break down the Polish club? Prediction for the Hammarby vs Raków Conference League clash
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 19:00 Central European Time, the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm will host the return leg of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League third qualifying round: Swedish side Hammarby face off against Poland's Raków.
A week ago (August 6), the first encounter in Częstochowa ended with a goalless draw, 0-0. The scenario ahead of the return leg is straightforward: the winner advances to the playoff round of qualification, while another draw will see the teams battle it out in extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout.
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Hammarby are in the thick of the Allsvenskan season, which means the squad is in excellent physical shape. The Stockholmers' main advantage is their home ground—the Tele2 Arena—with its fast synthetic pitch, a surface that is notoriously difficult for visiting teams to adapt to.
In the first leg, Hammarby showed impressive discipline off the ball, managing to contain the Poles' early pressure. Back on their own turf, the green-and-whites are expected to take the initiative: rapid wing play and relentless high pressing will be the hosts’ main weapons.
Raków, on the other hand, are just getting into the official season through European qualifiers and the opening rounds of the Ekstraklasa. The Polish side are renowned for their tactical discipline with three central defenders and their ability to close down space in midfield.
In Stockholm, the Poles will likely set up a deep mid-block, relying on physicality, set-piece routines, and quick counterattacks. However, their lack of experience on artificial turf could become a crucial disadvantage towards the end of the match.
Expect Hammarby to dominate possession and ramp up the pressure on the visitors’ back line, using their intensity and wing combinations. Raków will stick to a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 shape, banking on counterattacks and physical duels inside the box.
It’s worth noting that last week's goalless draw (0-0) was the first ever official meeting between these two sides.
What’s the smart bet for this clash?
With so much at stake and a playoff spot on the line, expect pragmatic, cautious football. Both teams are solid defensively, so don’t anticipate a rout or an open shootout. My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals.
