One of the most captivating European narratives this season is unfolding in Bucharest, where FCSB (formerly European champion, Steaua) will take on PAOK Thessaloniki tonight at 18:45 PM. At the beginning of the Europa League season, many dismissed the former Romanian army team as unlikely contenders for the knockout stage, but Risto Radunović and his teammates are looking to defend their 1:XNUMX victory from Thessaloniki and secure advancement to the next round of this prestigious UEFA competition.

The Montenegrin international, recently honored as the best foreign player in Romania for 2024, reaffirmed his status with a stellar performance at the “Toumba Stadium,” where he assisted in FCSB’s winning goal. However, the task won’t be easy; PAOK was in control until Tyson was sent off just before halftime. Nonetheless, the support from home fans and the atmosphere at the stadium may give the Romanian side an edge.

At the same time, the derby of the 1/16 finals is taking place at the Olympic Stadium, where Roma will host Porto. Their first encounter at “Dragau” ended in a 1:1 draw. Concurrently, Bodo/Glimt will aim to recover from a home loss against Twente (2:1), while Galatasaray faces a daunting challenge in Istanbul after their heavy defeat in the Netherlands to AZ Alkmaar (4:1). Despite this setback, Galatasaray shows great attacking prowess, leading the season with a goal difference of 20:20 across nine Europa League matches, promising an exciting matchup.

Ajax should find it manageable to defend their “break” in Belgium against Royal Union at the “Johan Cruyff Arena” at 21:00 PM, especially given their strong form after a rocky season start. They have claimed the top position in the league, with goalkeeper Remko Pasver, aged 41, not conceding a goal in his last three matches during their five-game winning streak; meanwhile, 16-year-old Zorti Mokio is emerging as a promising talent. José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe will aim to protect their three-goal lead against Anderlecht following their Brussels clash.

In the Conference League, Montenegrin fans will focus on Cyprus, where Omonia, featuring Stevan Jovetić and Novica Eraković, hosts Pafos. Given their previous matchup ended in a 1:1 draw, the odds appear equal. In another ex-Yugoslav encounter, Olimpija will seek to overturn their 1:0 deficit from Banja Luka in Ljubljana, while the match between Heidenheim and Copenhagen in Germany will be officiated by Montenegrin referees led by Nikola Dabanović. Heidenheim secured a 2:1 victory in their first meeting in Copenhagen.

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