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Peter Green - July 22, 2019
BATE Borisov vs Rosenborg
Champions League Qualification
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Kick-off at 18:00 UK/ 19:00 CET
Venue: Borisov Arena (Barysaw).
Borisov had edged past Polish club Piast Gliwice, while Rosenborg made mincemeat out of Linfield, with a 6-0 aggregate demolition. Now, they take each other in hopes of getting one step closer to the European dream.
Both teams had finished champions of their respective leagues last season, but have stuttered a bit this time around in taking the pole spot. The situation is worse for the Norwegians, as they currently sit at the sixth position, after 15 match-days have been completed, while, their counterparts are placed second. Though there’s an asterisk next to it since the team has a game in hand.
As far as confidence is concerned, BATE takes the cake. Not only do they have the home advantage, but they scripted a thriller of a comeback in the second leg of the last round, and that too on the road, to progress to this stage.
Borisov was unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 games, and 10 of those were wins. At home, they went unbeaten in seven of their last eight, and six were victories. They have also scored three or more goals in three of their last four home ties and two or more goals in eight of their last eleven overall.
On the other hand, Rosenborg was winless in ten of their last sixteen on the road, and importantly, has failed to keep up their levels of last year. As such, expect the hosts to have the upper hand here.
But do keep in mind that BATE failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last nine fixtures, and in four of their last five at home. Also, Rosenborg had scored four or more goals in their last two games. Despite the away handicap, they should find the back of the net at least once this Wednesday.
