ML Vitebsk: improved form, but defensive issues remain a worry

ML Vitebsk have made steady progress after 14 rounds in the Belarusian league, sitting just two points behind leaders Dinamo Minsk. Under Filip Sokolinski, the team has collected victories in two of their last three matches, showing clear signs of improvement. However, inconsistent results and a difficult cup campaign suggest there is still work to do — especially with a much stronger European opponent now standing in their way.

The squad situation has become more stable. Ruslan Lisakovich and Valery Bocherov both returned in the match against Slavia Mozyr, while goalkeeper Pavel Pavlyuchenko made his comeback after almost a month on the sidelines. Still, Alexei Nosko remains unavailable due to injury. Meanwhile, Artem Kontsevoy has become the team’s key attacking figure, contributing a goal or assist in each of his last five appearances.

Universitatea Craiova: strong depth and growing confidence

Universitatea Craiova are yet to begin their official 2026/27 campaign, with the Romanian league season starting in mid-July. Nevertheless, Felipe Coelho’s team has shown promising form during preseason, drawing 1-1 with Sabah and earning an impressive 4-3 victory over Polissya. They have now extended their unbeaten run in regulation time to ten matches.

The Romanian side also enters the tie with a well-balanced squad. They have managed to keep several important attacking players, including Assad Al Hamlawi, Steven Nsimba, Anzor Mekvabishvili, and Ștefan Baiaram, while further strengthening the team with the arrivals of goalkeeper Razvan Sava and forward Jheri Tavares. Their depth could prove valuable during the European qualifiers.

Match facts and head-to-head

ML Vitebsk have avoided defeat in nine of their last ten matches.

Universitatea Craiova are unbeaten in their previous ten games.

ML Vitebsk have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five matches.

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