Contents
- Competition: UEFA Europa League, Qualification Round 3
- Date: 6th August, 2026
- Kickoff: 18:00 UK / 19:00 CEST
- Venue: Malsovicka arena
Hradec Králové welcome Turkish giants Beşiktaş for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie. The Czech side have already exceeded expectations by eliminating Tromsø, while Beşiktaş overcame Danish outfit Midtjylland to continue their European campaign.
Hradec Kralove team overview
Hradec Králové continue to impress during their return to European football after more than three decades away from continental competition. David Horejš's side eliminated Norwegian outfit Tromsø by winning 1-0 away before completing the job at home, demonstrating excellent defensive organisation across both legs.
Domestically, Hradec have carried over the momentum from last season's impressive top-five finish in the Czech First League. They sit inside the top six after the opening two matches of the Czech First League, having secured a 2-1 victory over Pardubice before playing out a goalless draw with Bohemians at the weekend.
There are no major injury concerns reported ahead of Thursday's clash, allowing Horejš to name a settled starting XI.
Last matches of Hradec Králové
-
Bohemians 1905
0 : 0
Hradec Králové
Chance Liga
-
Hradec Králové
3 : 1
Tromso
Europa League
-
Hradec Králové
2 : 1
Pardubice
Chance Liga
-
Tromso
0 : 1
Hradec Králové
Europa League
-
Hradec Králové
3 : 3
Metalist 1925 Kharkiv
Club Friendlies 3
Hradec Králové lineup
Goalkeeper
-
12
Adam Zadražil
Defenders
-
7
Jakub Uhrinčať
-
5
Filip Čihák
-
25
František Čech
-
26
Daniel Horák
-
28
Jakub Kucera
Midfielders
-
11
Samuel Dancák
-
16
Vladimír Darida
-
19
Tom Slončík
-
10
Mick van Buren
Forwards
-
17
Ondřej Mihálik
Besiktas team overview
Beşiktaş arrive in the Czech Republic after eliminating Midtjylland with a 3-0 aggregate victory, winning the first leg 1-0 in Istanbul before producing another disciplined performance away from home. New head coach Vincenzo Italiano appears to have quickly established a balanced system, with the Turkish side looking organised defensively while remaining dangerous in transition.
One of Beşiktaş' biggest positives has been their defensive stability. They conceded very few clear-cut opportunities across both legs against a strong Midtjylland side while showing patience in possession and controlling large spells of both matches. However, it is worth noting that the Danish side finished both matches with 10 men, as one of their players was sent off in each leg.
Italiano is expected to field another strong lineup despite the away fixture. There are no significant fresh injury concerns reported ahead of the match, and Beşiktaş will likely dominate possession.
Last matches of Besiktas
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Midtjylland
0 : 2
Besiktas
Europa League
-
Besiktas
1 : 0
Midtjylland
Europa League
-
Spartak Trnava
3 : 2
Besiktas
Club Friendlies 1
-
OFK Malženice
1 : 1
Besiktas
Club Friendlies 1
-
MTE 1904
0 : 0
Besiktas
Club Friendlies 1
Besiktas lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Alexander Nübel
Defenders
-
62
Amir Murillo
-
35
Tiago Djaló
-
53
Emirhan Topçu
-
33
Rıdvan Yılmaz
Midfielders
-
6
Salih Özcan
-
15
Junior Olaitan
-
10
Orkun Kökçü
Forwards
-
18
Václav Černý
-
29
İlhan Fakili
-
9
Hyeon-gyu Oh
Prediction
Hradec Králové have every chance of avoiding defeat after producing an impressive 4-1 aggregate victory over Tromsø in the previous round, including a convincing 3-1 home win. The Czech side looked well organised defensively while showing they can be clinical in attack, particularly on home soil. With Beşiktaş likely to approach the first leg cautiously before hosting the return fixture in Istanbul, Hradec have a strong opportunity to earn at least a draw in front of their home supporters.
Prediction: Hradec Kralove to Win or Draw (Double chance 1X).
Three reasons we expect Double chance 1X
- Hradec Králové produced one of the standout performances of the previous qualifying round, eliminating Tromsø 4-1 on aggregate.
- Home form could prove decisive. Hradec looked confident and clinical at Malšovická Arena against Tromsø, scoring three goals while limiting the Norwegian side to few clear-cut opportunities.
- Beşiktaş may prioritise avoiding defeat rather than chasing the game. As this is only the first leg, the Turkish side could adopt a measured approach.
Main prediction Hradec Králové - Besiktas
Hradec Králové win or draw (1X)
Best Odds: