#europa-conference-league

#europa-conference-league

The top spot in the table - currently occupied by Zaglebie Lubin - has changed hands multiple times, and the top nine clubs in the 18-team division are currently separated by just eight points. The league's top scorers, Lechia Gdansk, are 11th in the table, while its best defence belongs to eighth-placed Wisla Plock - who are currently on a five-game losing streak.

Celtic have never appeared in the Conference League and should the unthinkable happen and Martin O'Neill can't save the title defence, UEFA's third-tier competition will await the Bhoys. O'Neill could see Celtic in Pot 1 alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, AZ Alkmaar, Athletic Club, Slovan Bratislava and Basel.

Already storming their way to a Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket, Brian Priske's side have registered 10 points from their five group stage appearances. Last seen in European action landing a 2-1 win away at Romanian outfit Universitatea Craiova, Sparta should also be excited by their defensive steel. Landing a 1-0 win against Legia Warsaw last month, Sparta have shipped just three Europa Conference League goals this year.

Starting with the hosts, coming under serious scrutiny over the summer as they failed to book a Club World Cup knockout stage ticket over in the United States, Atletico Madrid have continued to show some serious issues since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Getting proceedings underway with a shock 2-1 loss away at Espanyol on August 17th, Diego Simeone finds some major pressure on his shoulders.

Shelbourne officials worked hard to satisfy UEFA and ensure this occasion was held at Tolka Park and while it more than delivered on the drama front, this win will only be remembered if they finish the job in Belfast next week. In a breathtaking first-leg tie, Joey O'Brien's Reds edged this all-island rematch but much like their Champions League clash five weeks ago, it wasn't exactly straightforward as the sold-out crowd were treated to three penalties, while an early red card came Linfield's way too.

A late penalty from substitute Aidan Keena is the most precious piece of baggage that St Patrick's Athletic will take to Lithuania next week for the second leg of their Europa Conference League tie.

Real Betis is dreaming of bringing a major European title back to their passionate city of Seville, which would be a truly monumental achievement.