On Wednesday night, Linfield Belfast faces a difficult task in the first qualifying round of the Champions League, as they host Norwegian outfit Rosenborg at Windsor Park.
Ironically, both these teams latest Champions League matches were against Scottish giants Celtic, with both exiting the competition at the hands of the Hoops. Celtic eliminated Linfield in 2017 while eliminating the Norwegian side in last season’s competition.
Neither of these two teams has great records in the Champions League of late. In fact, Linfield have won just once in 22 outings in 90 minutes in the competition. Rosenborg’s record is not quite as bad. However, just one win in their last nine matches in the Champions League is still not a strong record.
Even home advantage has not been able to help Linfield in recent years in the Champions League, as they have won just two of their 12 matches on home soil in the competition.
The Northern Irish team have struggled to even score on home soil in the Champions League, scoring just twice in eight home games at Windsor Park. Their lack of attacking prowess has also contributed to their last eight home games in the Champions League producing under 2.5 goals.
David Healy’s side has prepared for this first leg by enduring three straight defeats in friendly matches against Dinamo Bucharest, Motherwell and St Johnstone.
Rosenborg have also struggled on their travels in this competition, failing to win in nine away games, while suffering seven defeats in the process. Just like Linfield on home soil, Rosenborg have struggled for goals on their travels in the Champions League, scoring just twice in their last five away games.
Neither side head into this match in great heart. However, Forebet predicts that the visitors will record a potentially crucial victory in a low-scoring encounter.