The UEFA Champions League’s first qualifying round delivered high-stakes drama and decisive outcomes on Tuesday evening, as clubs across Europe battled it out in the second leg for a coveted place in the next phase. From penalty shootout marathons to commanding home victories, the night had it all.
In Kazakhstan, Kairat overturned a first-leg deficit with a composed 2-0 home win against Olimpija, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. Similarly, Malmö made no mistakes on home soil, comfortably dispatching Saburtalo 3-1 on aggregate with a 3-0 win in the second leg.
Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps also advanced with a 1-0 home win over Vikingur, sealing a 4-2 aggregate score, while RFS edged past Levadia 1-0 to complete a 2-0 aggregate success.
Other highlights included Drita’s dramatic 3-2 away win over FC Differdange 03, advancing 4-2 on aggregate, and Shkëndija’s 2-1 victory over The New Saints, which secured them a 2-1 progression overall.
In Andorra, Inter d’Escaldes managed a 2-1 win against FCSB, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, as the Romanian side progressed 4-3 on aggregate. Icelandic side Breiðablik were in dominant form, sweeping past Egnatia with a resounding 5-0 win, confirming a 5-1 aggregate result.
Meanwhile, KuPS held firm with a 0-0 draw at Milsami, maintaining their narrow 1-0 aggregate lead to move forward. Noah of Armenia eliminated Budućnost Podgorica 3-2 on aggregate after a contentious second leg which saw the Montenegrin side reduced to nine men.
Bosnian champions Zrinjski wrapped up the round with a comfortable 2-1 win over Virtus, finishing with a 4-1 aggregate.
