Preview: Malmo FF Hosts FK Crvena Zvezda in Europa League Knockout Clash

STOCKHOLM (Interstat) — A place in the Europa League’s round of 16 is on the line Thursday when Sweden’s Malmo FF hosts Serbian powerhouse FK Crvena Zvezda in the first leg of their knockout round playoff.

The match at Eleda Stadion pits a Malmo side seeking European consistency against a Zvezda team riding a wave of defensive resilience.

Crvena Zvezda, commonly known as Red Star Belgrade, arrives in strong form, having won its final three group stage matches to finish second in Group H. A 1-0 home victory over Sturm Graz on Dec. 11 sealed their progression. Their knockout phase pedigree is well-established, and their recent results showcase a tough, low-scoring pattern, with four of their last five European matches ending 1-0, including wins over Lille and FCSB.

Malmo’s path was more turbulent. The Swedish champions finished third in Group G, collecting just one win from six matches. That lone victory, a 3-0 road win at Sigma Olomouc in August, was followed by a string of defeats, including a 2-1 loss at Porto on Dec. 11. Their form at home in Europe has been poor, with losses to Nottingham Forest (0-3) and Viktoria Plzen (0-3) this season.

The statistical service Interstat projects a 1-1 draw for the first leg.

For Malmo, the tie represents a chance to rediscover the home prowess that has fueled its domestic success. For Crvena Zvezda, an away goal would be a crucial step toward advancing. The return leg is scheduled for next Thursday in Belgrade.

The winner over the two legs will advance to face either AD Ceuta FC or KRC Gent in the round of 16. Crvena Zvezda is slated to host Ceuta, while Malmo would travel to Gent, based on the existing draw.

Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) in Malmo.