The path to the UEFA Conference League group stage is heating up, and Monday’s third-round qualifying draw has revealed the next potential challengers for AZ Alkmaar and Finnish side Ilves. As both clubs prepare for second-round clashes, they now know who awaits should they progress: Liechtenstein’s FC Vaduz or Northern Ireland’s Dungannon Swifts.
AZ Aiming to Extend European Run
Dutch club AZ Alkmaar earned their spot in European qualifiers after securing victory in the Eredivisie play-offs, overcoming FC Twente in the final. Now, they’re eyeing another deep run in Europe via the Conference League route. AZ are set to play their second-round matches on July 24 and July 31, with the hope of advancing to the third round.
If they succeed, they’ll face either FC Vaduz, a team with a history of upsetting higher-ranked sides in European competition, or Dungannon Swifts, who are enjoying a rare continental campaign after qualifying through the Northern Irish league system.
Ilves Looking to Rebound After Europa League Exit
Ilves, who finished second in Finland’s Veikkausliiga, initially entered the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. However, their European journey was quickly detoured after a heavy 6-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk, which saw them drop into the Conference League qualifiers.
Like AZ, Ilves will compete in their second-round tie over two legs on July 24 and 31. Should they advance, they too could find themselves battling Vaduz or Dungannon Swifts for a coveted place in the next round.
Third-Round Fixture Details
The third qualifying round will follow the standard two-legged format, with matches scheduled for August 7 and August 14. In this potential matchup, AZ or Ilves will host the first leg, giving them a slight early advantage before traveling for the return fixture.
With both FC Vaduz and Dungannon Swifts looking to make a mark on the European stage, neither AZ nor Ilves can afford to overlook their potential opponents.
