The UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round serves up an intriguing clash as Northern Irish champions Larne host Portuguese side Santa Clara at the Ballymena Showgrounds. This two-legged tie is a pivotal step on the path to the Europa Conference League group stage, with both clubs eager to establish a crucial advantage in the first match. This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two clubs, adding an element of unpredictability to the tie.
Larne enters the match with a strong home record and a point to prove after a recent run of impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions. The Northern Irish side, with their passionate home crowd, will be aiming to secure a decisive victory to boost their confidence. Santa Clara, meanwhile, has shown resilience in their European campaign, demonstrating the ability to perform under pressure. The Portuguese side will be looking to score a vital away goal and keep the tie close heading into the second leg. This clash promises to be a strategic battle with a high level of intensity, as both clubs have a clear path to the play-off round in their sights.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Ballymena, Northern Ireland
- Stadium: Ballymena Showgrounds
- Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM BST
- Referee: Adam Ladebäck (Sweden)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
There is no known competitive head-to-head record between Larne and Santa Clara. As this is their first-ever official meeting, recent form and tactical preparation will be the most important factors heading into this match.
Larne:
Larne comes into this crucial qualifier on the back of an excellent run of form, with two wins and three draws in their last five matches. They secured a 5-2 aggregate victory over The New Saints in the previous qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The Northern Irish side has shown a balanced game, with a potent attack and a solid defense. They have won four of their last five matches across all competitions and will be looking to continue this momentum. Playing at home, they will be looking to their passionate supporters to give them an extra boost and secure a positive result in this first leg.
- August 3, 2025: Ballymena United 1–2 Larne (NIFL Premiership)
- July 31, 2025: The New Saints 1–1 Larne (Conference League Qualifying)
- July 27, 2025: Larne 4–1 Carrick Rangers (NIFL Premiership)
- July 24, 2025: Larne 4–1 The New Saints (Conference League Qualifying)
Santa Clara:
Santa Clara enters the match with a mixed bag of results lately, with two wins and one draw in their last three matches. The Portuguese side secured a 4-1 aggregate victory over Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino in the previous qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The Portuguese side has a reputation for playing a disciplined and organized style of football, which could pose a significant challenge for the Larne attack. They will be confident coming into this match and will be looking to score a crucial away goal to give them an advantage for the second leg.
- August 3, 2025: Santa Clara 3–0 Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino (Conference League Qualifying)
- July 31, 2025: Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino 1–1 Santa Clara (Conference League Qualifying)
- July 27, 2025: Santa Clara 0–2 Beitar Jerusalem (Toto Cup)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is expected to be a fascinating contest between a well-organized and confident Larne side and an experienced Santa Clara. Larne will likely seek to establish a high tempo from the start, utilizing their home advantage and talented squad to control possession and create scoring opportunities. The Northern Irish side’s attacking prowess will be a significant threat. Santa Clara, under manager Vasco Matos, will likely be organized and compact, looking to frustrate Larne and hit them on the counter-attack. The battle in midfield will be crucial, with both teams looking to win the ball and dictate the tempo. The match is poised to be an open and exciting affair with a high potential for goals.
How to Watch Larne vs. Santa Clara on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | N/A |
| Portugal | Sport TV, Eleven Sports |
| United States | beIN SPORTS, Fox Sports |
| United Kingdom | BBC Sport NI, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
In the United Kingdom, this match may be available to watch and stream online live through BBC Sport NI, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport Website. In the United States, the match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS and Fox Sports. For other regions, broadcasting information is not yet confirmed. It is also common for some clubs to provide live streams on their official websites or YouTube channels for European qualifiers, so it is worth checking those sources.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
