Europa League Showdown: Brann Host Midtjylland in Crucial Knockout Bid

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This encounter at Brann Stadion is a pivotal fixture in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League league phase, particularly for home side Brann, whose qualification hopes hang in the balance. Brann currently sit 22nd in the league table with eight points from six games. They must win their final two matches to secure a knockout playoff spot. This marks Brann's first competitive fixture against a Danish club on the European stage, and the first ever competitive meeting between these two teams, described as a Scandinavian derby. In contrast, FC Midtjylland have been strong contenders, holding second place in the league phase table with five wins from six matches. They have already clinched a playoff berth and are now pushing for direct qualification to the Round of 16.

Recent Form

Brann's recent form over their last five official matches has been inconsistent. They suffered a 0-4 defeat to Fenerbahçe SK in the UEFA Europa League, followed by a 3-1 victory over Hamarkameratene in the Eliteserien. They then drew 1-1 with PAOK FC in the Europa League, lost 0-4 to Molde FK in the league, and finished with a 1-1 draw against KFUM Oslo. FC Midtjylland, on the other hand, show stronger recent form. Their last five official matches include a 1-0 win against KRC Genk in the Europa League, a 3-3 draw with Viborg FF in the Danish Superliga, and a commanding 6-0 victory against FC Nordsjælland. They also had a 1-2 loss to AS Roma in the Europa League and a 2-1 win against Sønderjyske Fodbold in the Danish Superliga, marking three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five competitive outings.

Key Players & Injury News

Brann are contending with several significant injuries to key players. Key forward Saevar Magnusson has been sidelined for over three months with a knee injury. Niklas Castro, Sakarias Opsahl, and Jonas Torsvik are also out with unspecified injuries. Furthermore, 20-year-old defender Eivind Helland recently departed for Bologna in a club-record transfer. Expected key players for Brann include goalkeeper Dyngeland, midfielder Emil Kornvig, and forward Noah Holm. Kornvig stands as the team's top scorer with six goals.

FC Midtjylland also have their share of injuries. Forward Franculino is out until at least March 2026 due to a knee injury requiring surgery. Defender Adam Gabriel is recovering from a foot injury and is also expected back in March. Ola Brynhildsen, recently recalled from loan, also picked up an injury, and Edward Chilufya has a knee injury. Key players for Midtjylland are likely to feature goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, defender Kevin Mbabu, and forward Gue-Sung Cho, who scored the winner in their last Europa League match. Midfielder Philip Billing is also notable, although he faces disciplinary issues.