Vikingur and Lincoln Red Imps meet in Reykjavik on Tuesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie. Vikingur come into the game top of the Icelandic league with a W9-D2-L2 record, scoring 26 and conceding 14. At home they have been flawless with seven wins from seven, scoring 19 goals at an average of 2.71 per game and conceding just 1.0 per match.
Despite their attacking consistency, they have kept only two clean sheets all season, both in their first two home games. Since then, they have failed to shut out any of their last five visitors and have kept just two clean sheets in their last eleven matches overall. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 86% of their home games, and they have scored in every one of them.
Lincoln Red Imps arrive after another dominant season in Gibraltar. They finished level on points with St Joseph's but won the title on goal difference thanks to their +61 tally, compared to St Joseph's +50. Their final record was W21-D3-L1, scoring 68 and conceding just seven. They kept clean sheets in 76% of their matches and failed to score in only 12%. Their only defeat came in February against Lions, and their three draws were all goalless, two against St Joseph's and one against Europa FC.
This sets up a contrast in styles: Vikingur are strong going forward at home but vulnerable at the back, while Red Imps bring defensive solidity and clinical finishing. With Vikingur’s attacking intent and Lincoln’s compact structure, this could shape into an intriguing first leg with goals likely, but it may not be one-way traffic.
How the bookies view it: Hosts narrow favourites
Vikingur are priced at 8/11 to win the first leg, suggesting they are strong favourites at home. The draw is 3/1, while Lincoln Red Imps are clear outsiders at 19/5. Over 2.5 goals is even money (1/1), which feels about right given how open Vikingur's home games have been. Both teams to score is 10/11, reflecting the tension between Vikingur’s reliable attack and leaky defence, and Lincoln’s solid defensive record but untested form against stronger opposition.
Head to Head: First meeting
Vikingur and Lincoln Red Imps have never met before in official competition. According to UEFA’s head‑to‑head and records databases, this Champions League qualifier will be their first ever match against each other
Players to watch: De Barr to star for Imps
Tjay De Barr is one of Lincoln Red Imps’ most important players and is likely to be central to any success they have in this tie. He enjoyed a strong 2024–25 season, scoring 13 goals in the Gibraltar Football League since rejoining Lincoln in January 2024, and has also shown his ability in Europe, with three goals in five Champions League qualifying matches. His knack for delivering in big moments makes him a reliable attacking focal point.
His intelligent movement and sharp runs into dangerous areas are key to Lincoln’s attacking play. He consistently creates space for himself and teammates, making him a constant threat in and around the box. His pace and ability to play across the front line also make him dangerous in transition, giving Lincoln the flexibility to exploit weaknesses in different ways as the game unfolds.
Since returning from a stint in England, he has been one of Lincoln’s most confident and consistent performers, lifting those around him with his presence and end product. Against a Vikingur side that scores regularly at home but leaves space at the back, De Barr’s finishing, creativity, and leadership could make the difference.
Predicted line-ups
Vikingur (4-3-3): Gunnleifsson; Davidsen, Vatnhamar, Joensen, Nattestad; Poulsen, Faero, Hansson; Danielsen, Thomsen, Andreasen
Lincoln Red Imps (4-2-3-1): Smith; Lopez, Chipolina, Munoz, Azopardi; Torrilla, Valarino; Villacanas, Casciaro, De Barr; Gomez
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams to score looks a strong betting angle when Vikingur host Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League first qualifying round. Vikingur may be top of the Icelandic league, but their defensive numbers raise questions. They have kept just four clean sheets all season with only six teams have fewer although no side in the league has made fewer saves, which suggests opponents are getting clear-cut chances when they do attack. They have also failed to shut out any of their last five home opponents.
Going forward, Vikingur are efficient rather than relentless. They average just 4.7 shots per game, ranking only seventh in the league, yet they create a high volume of big chances and sit second for big chances. That tells us they do not shoot often, but when they do, they create high-quality opportunities. They have scored in every home game this season, averaging 2.71 goals per match in Reykjavík.
Lincoln Red Imps, for their part, failed to score in just three of 25 league games last season. Given Vikingur’s attacking consistency and defensive vulnerability, both teams to score looks well priced.
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