Conference League Draw: Rosenborg BK or Hammarby IF

In the UEFA Conference League playoffs, 1.FSV Mainz 05 are due to meet with the winner of the tie between the Norwegian side Rosenborg BK and Hammarby IF from Sweden, who face off in the third round of qualifying. This is the result of the draw which took place in Nyon on Monday afternoon. The club’s return to the international stage takes place out of town initially on Thursday, 21st August. In the return fixture a week later on 28th August, FSV will play in their home, the MEWA ARENA.

Heidel: Attractive, demanding opponents

FSV sporting director Christian Heidel, who was in Nyon alongside Michael Kammerer, head of organisation, said, “The draw has given us two attractive potential opponents, who we can equally look forward to playing. Of course these are two athletic and extremely demanding teams, for whom we have the utmost respect. Rosenborg, as the most successful team in Norway, already have considerable international experience, as well as Hammarby IF, Swedish runners up, who are regularly involved in UEFA competitions. Both clubs find themselves in the middle of their seasons and are some of the top teams in their leagues and in fine form, which certainly doesn’t make the task any easier. We look forward to great trips and atmospheric stadiums.” 

Potential Opponents in detail

• Rosenborg BK (Norway): The Norwegians play their home games at the Lerkendal-Stadion, which holds around 21,400 spectators. In the Eliteserien they currently sit in fifth place. In the second round of Conference League qualifying they overcame FK Banga.
• Hammarby IF (Sweden): Hammarby call the Swedish capital Stockholm their home and play their home games at the 3Arena, which has around 30,000 seats. In the Allsvenskan the team currently sits in second place and they beat Royal Charleroi in the second round of qualifying. 

Should FSV get though both legs, they would qualify for the group-phase of the Conference League, the groups for which will be drawn on 29th August. In this second phase they would be guaranteed six matches against six different teams, the first of which will take place on 2nd October. The last matchday is scheduled for just before Christmas on 18th December.