Can Motherwell progress again in Europa?
Final qualifying round or Norway of that happening?
Two 1-0 wins were more than enough for the Fir Park side to overcome their Iceland rivals and now they face Aalesunds of Norway in their bid to make the group stages of the Europa League.
It is not as if the two clean sheets should have been a surprise when you consider a few things. If you take away the crazy 6-6 draw with Hibs near the end of the campaign, Motherwell’s success under Craig Brown came through shutting the back door and keeping things tight at the back.
This was the philosophy that served Craig Brown well during his time at Scotland, an era when the national team managed to qualify for national tournaments. Sure, they were dull and lacking in inspiration from all but a few players but they performed jobs and tasks in the manner they were told to.
Which is essential for European football, especially in the two leg environment.
So, its no surprise that Motherwell are capable of being organised and then enforcing their style of play on a game but will it work in Norway?
We’re not going to lie and say we know a lot about their opponents on Thursday, nor do we still play Football Manager so we can’t fob off an awareness of the “statistics” in the first team squad!
Aalesunds are currently sitting in fourth place in the Norwegian top league after having played 18 games. They are 7 points behind league leaders and Champions league side Rosenbor, albeit having played a game more.
Aalesunds will be entering the tie with a bit of confidence after snatching a dramatic 1-0 victory over Valerenga, the side currently sitting in second place.
It appears that Aalesunds top scorer is Tor Hogne Aaroy, with 7 goals so far. The current leader is way out on 12 but the rest of the chasing pack is on 8 or 7 goals so you would say they have one of the in-form marksmen in the league.
Craig Brown and Archie Knox will be more than up to date with the goings on in Norway but it promises to be another testing tie for the Lanarkshire club. Which is to be fully expected at this stage…however, you wouldn’t rule the Well out at this stage.
Do you think the Well can progress?
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