UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round

Malmo FF 3 - 1 FT Saburtalo

Item: Malmo FF vs Saburtalo
Rating: 62
Author: Futmetrix

Eleda Stadion

AI-powered match analysis and previews to help you decide which games are worth watching

Tue, Jul 15

Malmo FF

3-1

Saburtalo

⚡ Intensity 67

⚖️ Balance 20

🏆 Stakes 33

🎲 Upset 0

Malmö demolishes ten-man Saburtalo in Champions League

Malmö's Clinical Execution Exposes Saburtalo's Fragility

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 62/100. This wasn't a match—it was a masterclass in capitalising on numerical advantage, as Malmö FF dismantled Saburtalo to announce their Champions League credentials.

The Red Card That Changed Everything

The intensity of this encounter shifted seismically in the 62nd minute when Gizo Mamageishvili's violent conduct earned a straight red card. Until that moment, Saburtalo had weathered Malmö's early pressure with resolve. But a man down, the Georgian side's defensive balance crumbled. What followed was a clinical exhibition: T. Ali struck twice—first in the 55th minute assisted by L. Johnsen, then again in the 89th with O. Rosengren providing the assist. P. Jansson added a third in the 60th, his finish completing a devastating five-minute spell where Malmö scored twice to seize control.

Malmö's Ruthless Finishing

The hosts' dominance wasn't accidental. Malmö FF converted their chances with the precision of a team hunting European glory. Ali's brace—clinical finishes either side of Jansson's header—demonstrated the stakes at Eleda Stadion. Even in the 90th minute, as Saburtalo's A. Dzagania grabbed a consolation goal, the narrative was already written. Malmö had announced themselves as a force in this competition, turning a competitive first hour into a rout once the numbers favoured them.

The Turning Point

Mamageishvili's dismissal was the knife that cut through the match. Before it, Saburtalo competed. After it, they were lambs at the slaughter. Malmö's ability to transition from balanced contest to clinical execution in minutes revealed a team with European pedigree—a side that understands how to punish mistakes at the highest level.

Key Questions

How did the red card for Gizo Mamageishvili impact the match?

The 62nd-minute dismissal for violent conduct shattered Saburtalo's defensive structure. Malmö scored twice in five minutes thereafter, turning a contest into a rout and establishing numerical dominance.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.

Precision Over Power in Malmö

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 8/100. A tactical chess match where one lapse in concentration will decide which side progresses toward the lucrative European nights.

The Setup

On July 15, 2025, the 1st Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League reaches the Eleda Stadion. While the Stakes are historically significant for both clubs, the data suggests a low-intensity affair. Malmo FF enters the tie as the more established European name, yet their current Balance reflects a side still searching for peak competitive rhythm. They face a Saburtalo outfit that lacks marquee Stars but compensates with a disciplined, narrow defensive shape designed to frustrate.

Key Battle

The match will be decided by the home midfield's ability to penetrate a low block. Without specific standout individuals to dictate the tempo, the battle becomes one of unit cohesion. The Malmo FF central trio must circulate the ball with enough speed to pull the Saburtalo back line out of position. If the Georgian visitors can maintain their Form and structural integrity for the first sixty minutes, the pressure on the hosts will mount significantly.

Our Prediction

Expect a match of heavy possession for the home side but very few clear-cut opportunities. Malmo FF will likely find the breakthrough late in the second half through a set-piece or a deflected strike. The visitors lack the transition speed to truly punish Malmo on the counter, leading to a professional, if unspectacular, 1-0 victory for the Swedish side.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Only if you are a die-hard supporter; the low Stars and competitive metrics suggest a limited spectacle.

What's the predicted outcome?

A narrow 1-0 win for Malmo FF in a game of few chances.

Where are Malmo FF and Saburtalo in the league table?

This is a knockout qualifier; league positions do not apply to this UEFA Champions League stage.

What is Saburtalo's current form?

Their Form shows a team that is defensively organized but struggles to create high-quality attacking output.

What does this mean for qualification?

The winner advances to the 2nd Qualifying Round, while the loser drops into the Conference League path.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.