Iberia Tbilisi talk up Jagiellonia before Europa League play-off

Jagiellonia Bialystok are one step from the league phase of the Europa League, yet their final qualifying opponents, Iberia Tbilisi, are approaching the tie with clear belief. The Georgian champions have spoken respectfully about Adrian Siemieniec’s side, while making it plain they do not see the task as beyond them.

Jagiellonia already guaranteed European football

There is already certainty over one part of Jagiellonia’s continental campaign. Siemieniec’s team have secured a place in the league phase of the Conference League, ensuring a third straight season of European group-stage or league-phase involvement for the club.

That security came after Jagiellonia progressed from their tie with Rangers. Siemieniec said afterwards that, over the course of the two matches, the better team went through. The reward now is a chance to go one level higher and reach the league phase of the Europa League.

To do that, Jagiellonia must get past Iberia Tbilisi, the current champions of Georgia, in the play-off round.

Iberia strike a balance between respect and confidence

Nika Sikharulashvili, Iberia’s forward, has already underlined the scale of the challenge. Speaking to Georgian outlet lelo.ge, the 22-year-old said he had watched Jagiellonia and viewed them as a much tougher opponent than Larne.

At the same time, he suggested Iberia can play with a degree of freedom. According to Sikharulashvili, the team have already removed some of the pressure by becoming the first Georgian side in a long time to reach the league phase of European competition. His message was that Iberia can now focus on performing with greater calm and giving their supporters something to enjoy.

That theme was echoed even more strongly by sporting director Levan Silagadze. He described Jagiellonia as a strong side and pointed to their recent success against Rangers as evidence of their level. He also said the Polish club compare evenly with Slovan Bratislava.

But Silagadze stopped well short of portraying Jagiellonia as overwhelming favourites. In his view, they are a mobile team that play good football and look particularly effective away from home, yet not so formidable that Iberia should feel they have no chance.

Sikharulashvili could be central to Iberia’s hopes

If Iberia are to turn that confidence into a result, Sikharulashvili may be one of the key figures. The striker has made six appearances for the club this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

His most eye-catching contribution came in the Champions League qualifiers against Flora Tallinn, where he scored twice and added an assist as Iberia won the tie.

• Jagiellonia have already secured a place in the Conference League league phase.
• The play-off against Iberia Tbilisi will decide whether they reach the Europa League league phase.
• Iberia are the reigning champions of Georgia.
• Sikharulashvili has four goals and two assists in six matches this season.

A tie framed by opportunity on both sides

From Jagiellonia’s perspective, the play-off offers the chance to crown an already successful qualifying run with a place in the Europa League. From Iberia’s side, the mood is different but no less ambitious: respect for the opposition, belief in their own level and a sense that the pressure has eased.

The first meeting between Jagiellonia Bialystok and Iberia Tbilisi is scheduled for Thursday at 18:00. What comes next will determine whether Jagiellonia take the final step into the Europa League league phase, or whether Iberia can back up their confidence with a significant result.