Lincoln Red Imps host Inter Club d'Escaldes at Europa Point Stadium on 7 July 2026 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, with the winner advancing to the second qualifying round and considerably more prize money. Despite both clubs arriving as domestic champions, there is real incentive to win the opener rather than bank on the return fixture. Lincoln come in with far more European pedigree, having reached the Conference League group stage in 2025/26, while Inter are stepping onto this stage for the first time. Juanma Pavon took charge of Lincoln in May 2026 following Juanjo Bezares's departure, while Felip Ortiz continues to lead Inter and the two coaches have never faced each other.
Lincoln closed out the Gibraltar Football League season with 23 wins from 27 matches, scoring 89 goals along the way, their final outing a 4-1 win over Lynx FC. Inter won the Andorran Primera Divisio on the back of a 3-1 win over At. Escaldes and a 2-1 success against CE Carroi.
Neither side has injury or suspension concerns heading in, with Lincoln's experienced core including goalkeeper Nauzet Santana, defenders Bernardo Lopes, Ethan Jolley and Ethan Britto, midfielders Mandi and Graeme Torrilla and attackers Lee Casciaro, Kike Gomez and Alex Mula. Inter expect forwards Antoni Paredes Garcia and Alex Prelado Leitao to lead the line, with defender Maurizio Pochettino providing structure at the back.
Lincoln's direct set piece threat should be central to their approach, with their backline anchored by captain Bernardo Lopes. Alex Mula operates in the number ten role, feeding Casciaro and Gomez and if he can find space behind Inter's right back, Lincoln should create consistently from that side. The central midfield battle between Mandi and Torrilla against Inter's defensive block will do a lot to set the rhythm of the match.
These clubs have never met in competitive football, so both sides are going purely off current form and tactical preparation. Lincoln leaned heavily on set pieces throughout their domestic season and should get plenty of opportunities to test Inter from dead balls, particularly in the air. Playing at home at Europa Point Stadium with familiar conditions adds to that picture, whereas Inter are travelling and will need to adapt quickly.
Lincoln Red Imps 3-3 Inter Club d'Escaldes. Lincoln should control territory and expect to open the scoring through a set piece header or a Casciaro finish but Paredes Garcia and Prelado Leitao could punish Lincoln's defensive line three times on the break. A high scoring draw would leave the second leg open and lay bare Lincoln's occasional vulnerability against quick transitions, which Ortiz will look to exploit in the return fixture.
Ryan Baldi
Football Writer
Ryan Baldi is a professional football writer with years of experience and has been featured by respected outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, Sky Sports, DAZN, FourFourTwo, ESPN, Yahoo Sport and Football365. He has also written several books including Arsène Who?.
