Afət Ziyadqızı
The UEFA Champions League play-off round officially commences today, marking the final hurdle for clubs aiming to secure a coveted spot in the tournament's group stage.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the opening day of the play-off round will feature three high-stakes matches as teams battle for continental glory.
A significant highlight for Azerbaijani football fans is the upcoming fixture for the national champion, Sabah FC. The team is scheduled to face Israel's Hapoel Be'er Sheva on August 19 in a crucial away match, as they look to advance further in the prestigious competition.
The UEFA Champions League play-off round serves as the final qualifying stage before the group phase. It brings together domestic league champions and top-tier clubs from across Europe, all competing under the intense pressure of a two-legged knockout format. Success at this stage is vital for clubs, as it guarantees entry into the group stage, which brings both significant prestige and substantial financial rewards.
Champions League, play-off round, first leg schedule:
August 18
- 23:00. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) – Viking (Norway)
- 23:00. Levski (Bulgaria) – AEK (Greece)
- 23:00. Fenerbahçe (Türkiye) – Lyon (France)
August 19
- 23:00. Celtic (Scotland) – LASK (Austria)
- 23:00. Slovan (Slovakia) – Celje (Slovenia)
- 23:00. Hapoel Be'er Sheva (Israel) – Sabah (Azerbaijan)
- 23:00. Nijmegen (Netherlands) – Bodø/Glimt (Norway)
