Celtic will book their spot in the Champions League league phase with ease, while Rangers will drop down to the Europa League according to AI Supercomputer.
The AI model has made some interesting calls ahead of the Champions League play-off round.
Alongside Celtic vs Kairat Almaty and Rangers vs Club Brugge, the remaining fixtures are as follows: Red Star Belgrade vs Pafos, Ferencvaros vs Qarabag, Basel vs Copenhagen, Bodo/Glimt vs Sturm Graz and Fenerbahce vs Benfica.
First leg matches are due to be played on Tuesday, 19 August, and Wednesday, 20 August, with the second legs scheduled for a week later on Tuesday, 26 August and Wednesday, 27 August.
AI Supercomputer Predicts Champions League Play-Off Round Results
Red Star Belgrade vs Pafos
First Leg: Red Star Belgrade 2-0 Pafos
Second Leg: Pafos 1-1 Red Star Belgrade
Aggregate: Red Star Belgrade win 3-1
According to the AI Supercomputer, the Serbian SuperLiga champions’ excellent European home form will carry them through to the Champions League league phase.
It says: “Red Star’s home form in Europe is formidable, and they’ll use the intimidating Marakana atmosphere to assert dominance in the first leg.”
Despite an attempted fightback from Pafos, the AI doesn’t see Red Star being troubled too much in the second leg out in Cyprus. Like our software, UK betting sites favour Red Star to qualify.
“The second leg in Cyprus should see a more open game, with Pafos eager to attack. However, Red Star’s counter-attacking options and superior European experience will earn them a draw away from home, sealing their progression without much drama.”
Rangers vs Club Brugge
First Leg: Rangers 1-1 Club Brugge
Second Leg: Club Brugge 2-1 Rangers
Aggregate: Club Brugge win 3-2
Rangers have enjoyed an excellent European campaign thus far, overcoming Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen to set-up a play-off clash against Belgian giants Club Brugge.
Unbeaten at home in Europe thus far this term, AI expects that trend to continue for the Gers.
“The first leg will be tight, with Rangers pressing high but Brugge hitting back on the counter for a crucial equaliser,” the AI Supercomputer revealed after simulating the first leg.
Unfortunately for the Scottish Premiership outfit, despite having it all to play for heading into the second leg, our software believes Brugge will edge out the tie on home turf.
“In Belgium, Brugge’s control in midfield and ability to dictate tempo will cause Rangers problems. The Scots will have their moments, but Brugge’s sharpness in transition and clinical finishing should edge them through in a closely contested tie.”
With defeat, the Gers drop down to the Europa League league phase once again.
Could this scenario see Russell Martin depart Ibrox? Although unlikely, the latest next Rangers manager odds indicate that Sean Dyche is the favourite to take over.
Ferencvaros vs Qarabag
First Leg: Ferencvaros 2-1 Qarabag
Second Leg: Qarabag 1-2 Ferencvaros
Aggregate: Ferencvaros win 4-2
Our AI Supercomputer expects end-to-end football when Ferencvaros and Qarabag meet for their two play-off fixtures, but ultimately, it has backed the Hungarian champions to prevail.
“Ferencváros will rely on their technical midfielders and fast wingers to create overloads in the first leg, securing a narrow win.
“Qarabağ are dangerous at home and will push for goals in Baku, but Ferencváros have shown in recent seasons they can handle hostile away environments.
“Their ability to take their chances under pressure will see them repeat the first-leg scoreline, advancing with room to spare.”
Celtic vs Kairat Almaty
First Leg: Celtic 3-0 Kairat Almaty
Second Leg: Kairat Almaty 1-2 Celtic
Aggregate: Celtic win 5-1
Celtic face a lengthy 7,000 mile round trip to the Kazakhstani city of Almaty to take on Kairat in the second leg of their play-off tie, but before then, our AI Supercomputer expects the Bhoys to claim a comfortable victory in Glasgow in front of their passionate home crowd.
“Expect Celtic to get an early goal and control the first leg entirely, building a decisive lead.
“The trip to Kazakhstan could present logistical challenges, but Celtic’s depth and professionalism should see them manage the second leg effectively, grabbing at least one or two goals to confirm their superiority over the tie.”
Victory in the tie sees them advance to the group/league phase for a fourth successive season.
Basel vs Copenhagen
First Leg: Basel 1-0 Copenhagen
Second Leg: Copenhagen 1-0 Basel (after extra time: Copenhagen 2-0 Basel)
Aggregate: Copenhagen win 2-1 after extra time
As the only tie that our AI Supercomputer has predicted to be decided in extra time, the software sees the clash between Switzerland’s Basel and Denmark’s Copenhagen going either way.
It says: “Basel’s home advantage might see them edge the first leg in a low-scoring affair.
“Copenhagen, however, are very difficult to beat at home, and their physical style often grinds down opponents.
“With no away goals rule, a 1–0 win in the second leg would force extra time, and Copenhagen’s fitness and tactical discipline could give them the edge late on, sending them through after 120 minutes.”
Bodo/Glimt vs Sturm Graz
First Leg: Bodø/Glimt 2-1 Sturm Graz
Second Leg: Sturm Graz 1-1 Bodø/Glimt
Aggregate: Bodø/Glimt win 3-2
Building on their run to the Europa League semi-final last term, where they lost to eventual winners Tottenham, AI thinks Bodø/Glimt will seal a spot in the Champions League league phase.
The Norwegian champions have impressed in continental play over the last few years, having also reached the Conference League quarter-finals in 2022, but have never advanced beyond the Champions League play-off round.
Our AI Supercomputer said: “Bodø/Glimt’s aggressive pressing and fast transitions are lethal in Norway, and they should secure a slim advantage in the first leg.
“Sturm Graz will pose a physical threat in the return fixture and could create problems from set-pieces.
“But Bodø’s composure under pressure and their ability to spring dangerous counters will see them grab an away goal in Austria, ultimately preserving their aggregate lead to progress.”
Fenerbahce vs Benfica
First Leg: Fenerbahce 1-2 Benfica
Second Leg: Benfica 1-1 Fenerbahce
Aggregate: Benfica win 3-2
Our software believes that Fenerbahce vs Benfica could be the tie of the round, but unfortunately for Jose Mourinho and co., it doesn’t believe the scoreline will go in the Turkish side’s favour.
“Fenerbahçe will feed off the energy of their home fans and start aggressively, but Benfica are experienced in soaking up pressure and striking on the break,” the simulation read.
“Their quality in the final third should allow them to take a narrow first-leg lead back to Lisbon.”
As for the return leg, our AI Supercomputer says: “Benfica’s control in possession will help them manage the game, and while Fenerbahçe could threaten on set-pieces or counter-attacks, the Portuguese side’s stability will see them secure the draw they need to advance.”
