The road to the final in Leipzig heats up tonight, April 9, 2026, as the UEFA Conference League enters the quarter-final stage. From the gritty streets of South London to the vibrant atmospheres in Spain and Germany, four massive first-leg clashes are set to define who takes a step closer to the trophy.
Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s fixtures, including team news and our “human” predictions for the betting slips.
1. Crystal Palace vs. ACF Fiorentina
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Kick-off: 22:00 EAT
The Eagles are flying high in their debut European campaign, but tonight is their biggest test yet. Selhurst Park will be a cauldron, but Oliver Glasner has major selection headaches with Eddie Nketiah out injured and Jørgen Strand Larsen suspended. Fiorentina, veterans of this competition, arrive with a point to prove after falling short in previous finals.
• Key Stat: Palace are unbeaten in their last four European home games.
• Prediction: A cagey affair. Without their main strikers, Palace will struggle to clinical, while Fiorentina are experts at managing away legs.
• Score: 1-1 Draw.
2. Rayo Vallecano vs. AEK Athens
Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid
Kick-off: 19:45 EAT
Rayo Vallecano have been giant-killers all season, and they’ll look to use the tight, intimidating atmosphere of the Vallecas to rattle the Greek side. AEK Athens, however, are notoriously difficult to break down on the road and will be happy to sit back and play for a draw to take back to Greece.
• Key Stat: AEK Athens have conceded only two goals in their last four away European fixtures.
• Prediction: Rayo will push the pace, but AEK’s defensive discipline is top-tier.
• Score: 0-0 or 1-1. (Our pick: 1-1)
3. 1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. RC Strasbourg Alsace
Venue: Mewa Arena, Mainz
Kick-off: 22:00 EAT
This is a battle of two teams in scorching domestic form. Mainz come into this on the back of a three-game winning streak in the Bundesliga, while Strasbourg are eyeing their third straight victory. It’s a clash of German efficiency versus French flair.
• Key Stat: Mainz have scored in every home game in 2026 so far.
• Prediction: Both teams are playing with massive confidence. Expect goals at both ends.
• Score: 2-2 Draw.
4. FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs. AZ Alkmaar
Venue: Henryk-Reyman-Stadium, Kraków
Kick-off: 22:00 EAT
Shakhtar continue to be the nomads of European football, playing their “home” games in Poland, but it hasn’t slowed them down. AZ Alkmaar are a young, energetic side that loves to keep the ball, making this perhaps the most technical matchup of the night.
• Key Stat: AZ Alkmaar have struggled in away knockout games, winning only 1 of their last 5.
• Prediction: Shakhtar’s experience in high-pressure European nights should give them the edge in a narrow victory.
• Score: 2-1 Shakhtar.
Betting Tips & Value Picks
• Safe Double: Over 1.5 goals in Mainz vs. Strasbourg & Crystal Palace to Win or Draw (Double Chance).
• The Longshot: A 0-0 bore draw in Madrid between Rayo and AEK Athens offers high value.
• BTTS Special: Back “Both Teams to Score” in the Shakhtar and Mainz games for a solid parlay.
