By Esther Ososanya
The road to the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage is now set, with the play-off fixtures officially confirmed following Tuesday’s decisive third qualifying round results.
Fenerbahçe stormed through after a thrilling 5-2 home victory over Feyenoord, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph. Cypriot side Pafos also advanced, defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 for a 3-0 aggregate win.
The play-off stage is the final hurdle before Europe’s elite competition kicks off next Tuesday, promising high-stakes football as teams battle for a coveted group stage slot.
Full Play-off Fixtures:
- Ferencváros vs Qarabağ
- Crvena Zvezda vs Pafos
- Rangers vs Club Brugge
- Bodø/Glimt vs Sturm Graz
- Celtic vs Kairat Almaty
- Basel vs Copenhagen
- Fenerbahçe vs Benfica
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For many of these clubs, the next 180 minutes could define their European season and their bank accounts as UEFA’s lucrative group stage beckons.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
