- Home form: Dinamo Tirana have been undercooked in home games of late (W1, D2, L1), conceding just four goals in four games.
- Away form: Aluminij have been solid but unspectacular away from home, averaging just 0.33 goals per game.
- Market view: Dinamo Tirana are the clear bookies' favorite, but Aluminij have enough attacking edge to make it interesting.
Classic knockout matchup at Elbasan Arena
Tactical contrast
With Dinamo's structure versus Aluminij's wide energy, this one could have a classic knockout feel as the sides scrap to the last gasp on Thursday. Dinamo's set-up is a 4-2-3-1 that is solid and efficient with a double pivot and a live number 10 behind a mobile striker. They are more likely to nick the game here, but the odds and the first-leg draw are enough to suggest this will be a close, low-scoring qualifying match.
Dinamo recent form
Dinamo have a mixed bag of results across all competitions over their last 10 games (W2, D3, L5) and are not exactly cruising into the second leg. Manager Ilir Daja has been in charge since the middle of September and has brought a pragmatic and flexible European approach to this side. They won 4-1 in extra-time against FC Astana in their previous UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 outing, before a respectable 1-1 draw away to Aluminij last time out.
Aluminij assessment
Aluminij have been a mixed-to-poor side over their last ten games, posting two wins, four draws and four defeats across all competitions. Manager Jura Arsic has led his men since 17th June and they have been progressive, but somewhat lucky, in this qualification campaign. The 3-4-3 allows the side to overpower opponents down the flanks, but it does leave some gap behind the wing-backs if they get overpowered.
Dinamo to edge to it
Dinamo are a better side than Aluminij and it's not really close in terms of quality and experience.
- Hekuran Berisha is the main man for the hosts with two goals in three in this competition, while Matic Vrbanec is Aluminij's sharpest edge with one in one.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.95 and Both Teams to Score – No at 1.93 look like the most obvious angles here, with Aluminij on a two-draw streak after a 0-1 loss to Sheriff, a 0-0 draw with Maribor, and a 1-1 draw with Dinamo Tirana.
