The draw gave Egnatia a special mix: big names, unknown rivals and trips to some of the most interesting destinations in Europe. Midtjylland, Braga, Universitatea Craiova, Aarhus, Lincoln Red Imps and Kauno Žalgiris are the six obstacles of the Albanian champions in the league stage of the Conference League. The Albanian champions know the six opponents of the league stage of the Conference League. Three challenges in Rrogozhina, three European trips and one objective: not to stop here.
And not to stop there, the first move in the transfer market comes, in search of increasing quality for the championship phase matches in the Conference League. The Albanian champions have struck in the transfer market by transferring Panetolikos striker Deivid Hoxha from the Greek Super League. The 19-year-old, 1.93 meters tall, debuted in the Greek Super League in the 2024/25 season.
Egnatia and the six European nights
Egnatia are no longer just a team trying to survive in Europe. After a historic qualification to the Conference League stage, the Albanian champions now have six nights to show that their place on this stage is deserved.
The draw brought an interesting mix. Midtjylland, Lincoln Red Imps and Kauno Žalgiris will descend on the Egnatia Arena, while the yellow-blues will travel to Portugal to face Braga, to Romania against Universitatea Craiova and to Denmark against Aarhus.
From big names to real opportunities
Braga is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable names in the draw. Portugal brings another school of football and another level of experience. Midtjylland represents the strength of Danish football, while Aarhus adds another duel with a Nordic opponent.
But the draw is not just about facing prestigious names. Lincoln Red Imps and Kauno Žalgiris are opponents against whom Egnatia can see a clearer opportunity to accumulate points and build a favorable position in the standings.
And therein lies the importance of the new format. After six matches, the top eight teams qualify directly, while the teams ranked ninth to 24th will have another chance in the play-offs.
*Note: Not in order of matches.
Egnatia – Midtjylland
Braga – Egnatia
Egnatia – Lincoln Red Imps
University of Kraiova – Egnatia
Egnatia – Kauno Zalgiris
Aarhus – Egnatia
Six matches, another test of character
October 15 marks the start of this chapter. Then, on October 22, November 5 and 26, and December 10 and 17, Egnatia will experience six evenings that seemed impossible a few years ago.
It's no longer a question of whether Egnatia can play in Europe. It already has. The new question is how far it can go.
And with a draw that brings together big names with formidable rivals, the dream of Rrogozhin has now taken concrete form: six matches to seek the next story.
DATES
First round: October 15, 2026
Second round: October 22, 2026
Third round: November 5, 2026
Fourth round: November 26, 2026
Fifth round: December 10, 2026
Round Six: December 17, 2026
