Viktoria Plzen vs HJK Helsinki – 26/07/2022
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Viktoria Plzen will take a slender lead into the 2nd leg of their Champions League 2nd qualifying round tie against HJK Helsinki after winning 2-1 in Finland, with the Czech Republic side now looking to close out the return leg at their Doosan Aréna on Tuesday night.
Plzen are dreaming of a first Champions League group stage appearance since the 2018-19 campaign, but they have a long way to go in qualifying if they are to realise that dream as they are due to play either Maribor or Sheriff in the 3rd qualifying round should they progress past Finnish opponents, HJK.
ℹ️ Informace pro fanoušky před odvetou s Helsinkami ?
? ČLÁNEK ? https://t.co/bj4PWNijZ6 pic.twitter.com/t0lQjNuz6T
— FC Viktoria Plzeň (@fcviktorkaplzen) July 25, 2022
In spite of winning just one of their previous eight Champions League home games, Tuesday’s hosts will be more than happy with a draw to help them advance but this may be a dangerous game to play.
And having lost just once in their last 16 home games in all competitions, which consists of no fewer than 12 victories, Plzen will be confident that they can secure another win here in order to place themselves into the next round of this competition.
Onto HJK, and the visitors will be attempting to avoid a fourth consecutive elimination in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League when they make their way to the Czech Republic for this crucial return leg at the Doosan Aréna on Tuesday night.
On the domestic front, there are six games remaining of the Veikkausliiga season for HJK Helsinki in their league campaign, and the defending champions are currently three points behind league leaders KuPS, so the visitors may have one eye on defending their league title as well as this upcoming 2nd leg tie.
However, in spite of being in the middle of a title fight, HJK Helsinki will have to focus on Champions League action on Tuesday in order to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Altough, HJK Helsinki has won just one of its last six away Champions League games inside 90 minutes, so they’ll need to put on a faultless display in this 2nd leg if they’re to be the team that progresses into the 3rd qualifying round.
Victories at Buducnost and Rigas FS (on penalties) have been offset by losses incurred at Red Star Belgrade and Malmo and the Finnish visitors may well have their work cut out here in this return leg.
