The UEFA Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round pits Icelandic powerhouses Vikingur Reykjavik against Kosovan hopefuls Malisheva in what promises to be a fascinating second-leg encounter at Víkingsvollur, Reykjavik. With Vikingur seizing a 1-0 advantage from the away fixture, the pressure now swings to Malisheva to push for goals, something they have struggled with in recent matches. The tactical masterminds, Sölvi Ottesen and Bekim Isufi, face off again one with the wind of form and confidence, the other seeking to overturn a deficit and make a mark on European soil.
Two players that simply cannot be ignored in the context of this match are Vikingur Reykjavik’s prolific forward, Nikolaj Hansen already bagging 5 goals in his last 5 games and creative midfield maestro Gylfi Sigurðsson, whose experience and four assists could spell real trouble for a Malisheva side that lack attacking bite. While Malisheva will inevitably look to striker Valmir Berisha for a breakthrough, the worry is their collective goal drought at European level.
Here’s a “hot stat”: Malisheva have failed to score in their last five competitive matches, in stark contrast to Vikingur Reykjavik’s robust 6 goals and 80% unbeaten rate in their most recent five outings.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 – First Qualifying Round |
| 🏟 Venue: | Víkingsvollur, Reykjavik |
| 🗓️ Date: | 17.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:45 CEST |
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Vikingur Reykjavik vs Malisheva prediction
Given the evidence, the safest and best-value match prediction here is a victory for Vikingur Reykjavik. Their domestic form is imperious no losses in the last 10 matches and a compact defence that hasn’t let a goal slip in this tie so far. With Malisheva’s notable inability to score displayed not only in European action but also domestically and a minimal attacking threat in their last five outings (only 4 total shots), it’s hard to envision them breaking through a disciplined Icelandic back line.
Discipline and possession statistics tell a further story. Vikingur Reykjavik maintain a relatively low average of yellow cards (13 in 5 matches) and are methodical in their build-up, with an average pass accuracy of 86.29%. Fouls are reasonable for the Icelanders (32 in 5 games), and their 29 corner kicks in five matches illustrate continuous attacking pressure. Malisheva, by contrast, averages only 6 yellow cards and, crucially, are yet to score in their last five an alarming trend for knockout football. This lack of offensive flow and set-piece threat (only 12 corners in five) means they’ll find it hard to apply sustained pressure.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Vikingur Reykjavik -1.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Vikingur Reykjavik: Their most recent run is impressive a hard-earned 1-0 away win against Malisheva capping a stretch that’s seen four victories in the last five games in all competitions. Their prior 0-0 draw against IBV Vestmannaeyjar was a tactical chess match, but they bounced back with bold wins over Afturelding (2-1), KA Akureyri (2-0), and KR Reykjavik (3-2), proving flexibility in breaking down deep-lying defences. Their blend of youth and experience is complemented by an attacking front spearheaded by Hansen, with Sigurðsson dictating the tempo and creating chances aplenty.
Malisheva: Things have been less rosy for the Kosovans, whose recent form book makes uneasy reading. Their last outing in the first leg ended in a frustrating 0-1 defeat where, crucially, they managed zero goals and failed to generate meaningful attacking stats. Prior to this, they recorded a single win against Feronikeli (1-0), but also suffered heavy domestic frustrations, including a 1-2 loss to Suhareka and a 2-2 stalemate with Prishtina. The team’s primary issue is lack of precision and conviction in the final third, a deficiency that even coach Bekim Isufi’s famed motivational touch has yet to address.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Vikingur Reykjavik | Malisheva |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 8 | 2 |
| Free kicks | 10 | 6 |
| Corner kicks | 6 | 2 |
| Total fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 86 | 70 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
🚨Read our full Vikingur Reykjavik vs Malisheva stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Vikingur Reykjavik the favourite
- Moneyline Vikingur Reykjavik 1.18 | Malisheva 13.00
- Draw 6.30
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.67 | Under 2.5 2.24
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.53 | No 1.52
The odds paint a clear picture Vikingur Reykjavik are the overwhelming favourites, with bookies implying a win probability north of 75%. This is based not just on home advantage but also recent form, squad depth, and Malisheva’s offensive struggles. The draw and Malisheva to win are real long shots, likely reflecting both historical and current performance gaps. BTTS “No” is short for good reason given both defensive solidity from Vikingur and Malisheva’s scoring drought. The goal line odds suggest bookies expect a tight affair, likely decided by Vikingur’s efficiency in front of goal and Malisheva’s defensive posture.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Vikingur Reykjavik possible starting eleven

- GK: Ingvar Jónsson
- DF: Oliver Ekroth, Gunnar Vatnhamar, Róbert Orri Thorkelsson, Karl Fridleifur Gunnarsson
- MF: Gylfi Sigurðsson, Daniel Hafsteinsson, Erlingur Agnarsson
- FW: Nikolaj Hansen, Valdimar Thor Ingimundarson, Helgi Gudjonsson
Coach Sölvi Ottesen has found a reliable shape with 4-3-3, balancing experience and explosive talent up front. Ingvar Jónsson is the undisputed number one, providing calm and leadership. In defence, Gunnar Vatnhamar and Róbert Orri Thorkelsson ensure composure and resilience. The midfield engine is run by Sigurðsson, whose vision and set-piece threat set him apart, abetted by Hafsteinsson and Agnarsson. Up front, keep your eyes on Hansen lethal in front of goal, he’s flanked by Ingimundarson’s speed and Gudjonsson’s movement, which provide variety and depth.
Malisheva possible starting eleven

- GK: Ilir Avdyli
- DF: Dreni Kryeziu, Arbër Prekazi, Agon Xhaka, Etnik Brruti
- MF: Besnik Ferati, Etnik Brruti, Arbër Prekazi
- FW: Altin Aliu, Valmir Berisha, Elom Nya-Vedji
Coach Bekim Isufi has kept faith mostly with a defensive-minded 4-3-3, though often ends matches more like a 4-5-1 out of necessity. The defensive quartet is greater in numbers than international experience, while Avdyli in goal faces what promises to be a busy evening in Reykjavik. Creativity falls to Ferati in the centre, but the real question is whether Berisha and Nya-Vedji can break their barren spell. This line-up should provide defensive stability, but a lack of attacking output remains a major worry.
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Malisheva. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
For Vikingur Reykjavik, this is a golden opportunity to press home their technical superiority and tactical discipline, especially on home turf. Malisheva have shown little to suggest they can overturn the deficit, lacking not only goals, but also composure and threat in build-up play. The Icelanders are likely to dominate possession, carve out plenty of openings for Hansen and his supporting cast, and see the tie through with confidence. Expect a measured, professional performance with the home side unlikely to take unnecessary risks a 2-0 result feels well within reach, cementing Vikingur’s place in the next round of the Conference League.
