Beşiktaş have yet to concede a goal in this qualifying campaign, shutting out opponents in both legs while scoring precisely when needed. Hradec Králové impressed at home in the last round with a 3-1 win, but the step up in opposition quality is significant. The visitors'…
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Sign inHradec Králové welcome Beşiktaş to their Malšovická Aréna home for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round on 6 August 2026. The 9,300-capacity ground in the Czech city of Hradec Králové will be packed for the visit of Vincenzo Italiano’s Turkish side, who are aiming to take a step closer to the group phase.
Hradec Králové are without defensive pair Juraj Chvatal and Tomas Petrasek due to injury, meaning Filip Cihak and Frantisek Cech are likely to continue in the back three. Goalkeeper Adam Zadrazil captains the side, while Vladimir Darida’s experience in midfield will be vital. The Czechs are expected to line up in their usual 3-4-2-1 shape, with Ondrej Mihalik leading the attack.
Beşiktaş are missing three players. Leandro Trossard remains on post-World Cup leave, Wilfred Ndidi is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Felix Uduokhai serves a UEFA suspension. Tiago Djalo has been passed fit after an earlier scare and should partner in defence, with Alexander Nubel in goal. Orkun Kökçü and Milot Rashica are the main creative threats, while Oh Hyeon-Gyu provides an option off the bench.
The Czech club reached this stage by eliminating Tromso 4-1 on aggregate, winning both legs. They have been formidable on their own patch, riding a seven-match home winning streak that extends across all competitions. Head coach’s set-up has made them difficult to break down, and they will lean on that home record to frustrate Beşiktaş.
Beşiktaş cruised past Midtjylland with a 3-0 aggregate victory, keeping clean sheets in both legs. Kökçü scored in each match, becoming the club’s first Turkish player since Cenk Tosun in 2017 to net in both legs of a European qualifying tie. Italiano’s side showed composure and organisation, absorbing pressure before striking after the break. They have won three of their last four competitive away games and will travel with confidence.
With Chvatal and Petrasek missing, Hradec Králové’s backline will be tested by Kökçü’s ability to find pockets between the lines. The midfielder’s vision and late runs into the box were decisive against Midtjylland, and his connection with Rashica and Vaclav Cerny gives Beşiktaş multiple avenues to break down a stubborn home defence.
The winner of this tie advances to the Europa League playoff round; the losing side drops into the UEFA Conference League playoffs. Beşiktaş will host the return leg in Istanbul on 13 August.
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17Hradec Králové
Coach: David Horejs
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Coach: Vincenzo Italiano
