-
Three Clubs Secure Champions League Spots After Play-Off.
-
Bodø/Glimt advanced 6-2 on aggregate despite second-leg defeat.
- Kairat Almaty stunned Celtic on penalties to reach the group phase
Three clubs sealed their places in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday after navigating their play-off second-leg fixtures. Cypriot side Pafos, Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, and Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty all booked historic qualifications.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- How ASUU-FG 2009 Agreement Remains A Headache 16 Years Later
- PDP May Field Peter Obi, Jonathan in 2027 – Senator Moro
- Hon. Tobun Unveils Batik Kampala Training for Epe Constituency 1 Residents
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pafos held Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda to a 1-1 draw in Belgrade, completing a 3-2 aggregate victory to secure their spot in the group phase. In Austria, Bodø/Glimt fell 2-1 to Sturm Graz but progressed comfortably 6-2 on aggregate after a dominant first-leg performance.
The biggest upset came in Glasgow, where Kairat Almaty stunned Celtic. Both legs ended goalless, forcing penalties, where the Kazakh side held their nerve to win 3-2.
The result ensured Kairat reached the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.
The play-offs continue on Wednesday with four decisive fixtures: Qarabağ face Ferencváros, Basel host Copenhagen, Fenerbahçe take on Benfica, and Rangers visit Club Brugge. Winners will join Tuesday’s qualifiers in the newly expanded league phase of the competition.
