Match News
Match previews and recaps
In-depth match previews and recaps for football matches from leagues around the world. Each preview includes team form analysis, key player insights, head-to-head records, and score predictions to help you stay ahead of the game.
Uruguay U20 vs Paraguay U20 (0 - 0)
Uruguay U20 and Paraguay U20 played out a goalless draw at the Complejo Celeste, closing a two-match friendly series with a far tighter, more even contest than their first meeting two days earlier. Behind closed doors, both defenses held firm and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested across the 90 minutes. There was little else to report: no goals, no cards, and no real drama, a sharp contrast to the series opener, when an early own goal and a finish from Junio Gamarra had handed Paraguay U20 a 2-0 win. Coach Diego Forlán used this rematch to test fresh faces and different combinations in the Uruguayan lineup. Paraguay U20 therefore takes the series on aggregate, but Uruguay U20 leaves with a much better response and a clearer read on squad depth under its new coach. Both sides now shift focus to the South American Games in Santa Fe, Argentina, with these friendlies serving as final preparation.
Partizan vs Getafe (2 - 1)
Partizan gave their fans one last European night to remember, beating Getafe 2-1 at a sold-out Humska, but it wasn't quite enough to flip the tie. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Madrid, the home side needed a two-goal margin to force extra time and came desperately close to pulling it off. Jeh broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, finishing off a pass from S. Vitalis Nwulu to send the crowd into raptures. Enes Unal pulled Getafe level again on 69 minutes with a crucial away goal, before Erik Kojzek restored Partizan's lead seven minutes later to set up a nervy finish. In the end, the 2-1 scoreline left Getafe through 4-3 on aggregate, booking their spot in the next round despite a spirited Belgrade fightback. For Partizan, it means continental elimination after a battling display, a near-miss that will sting given how close the comeback came.
Larne vs Lincoln Red Imps (0 - 3)
Larne's European adventure ended in the cruelest way at Inver Park, as Lincoln Red Imps tore up a 2-0 aggregate deficit with a stunning late show to win 0-3 and advance in the Conference League play-off. Having controlled the tie for so long, Larne watched it slip away in a frantic closing spell that turned the tie on its head. The visitors broke the deadlock through Kike Gomez in the 82nd minute before Manu Toledano doubled their night's tally just three minutes later, dragging the aggregate score level and forcing extra time. Larne's misery deepened when Montel Gibson was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving them to survive the additional 30 minutes a man short. They couldn't hold out, and Toledano completed his brace from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time of extra time to make it 3-0 on the night. The result sends Lincoln Red Imps through to the Conference League league phase, a huge financial and prestige boost for the Gibraltarian champions. For Larne, it's a brutal exit after appearing to have one foot through the door, their continental run undone in the space of a few chaotic minutes.
Ferencváros vs Trabzonspor (4 - 0)
Ferencvaros didn't just beat Trabzonspor at the Groupama Arena, they dismantled them. The tie was effectively decided in the 13th minute when Ruslan Malinovskyi saw a straight red card for the visitors, and the hosts spent the rest of the night punishing the extra man. Callum O'Dowda headed Ferencvaros in front in the 19th minute, and the floodgates opened after the break. Marius Corbu made it two in the 54th minute, before Sidny Lopes Cabral picked up a second yellow to leave Trabzonspor down to nine men. Bamidele Yusuf converted a penalty in the 59th minute, and Krisztian Lisztes wrapped up the rout in the 86th. The 4-0 win, added to their 1-0 first-leg victory, sends Ferencvaros through 5-0 on aggregate into the Europa League league phase in fine attacking form. For Trabzonspor, two red cards and a lopsided scoreline mark a chastening end to their European ambitions this season.
Anderlecht vs Kairat (3 - 0)
Anderlecht made light work of Kairat Almaty at Lotto Park, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win to complete a dominant playoff double-header. The breakthrough came right on the stroke of halftime, when VAR flagged a handball by Kairat's Olzhas Baybek inside the box, and Anderlecht made the most of the resulting spot-kick. Mihajlo Cvetkovic slotted home the penalty in first-half stoppage time to break the deadlock. Early in the second half, Danylo Sikan doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, finishing off a assist from Marco Kana. Giulian Biancone then rounded things off with a header in the 71st minute, set up by Marten Winkler. No red cards were shown, though bookings piled up on both sides as tempers occasionally flared. The win rounded out a 6-0 aggregate hammering across both legs, sending Anderlecht comfortably through to the group stage with plenty of confidence to carry forward. For Kairat Almaty, the tie confirms their European run ends at the playoff hurdle, a tough but instructive test against clearly superior opposition.
AGF vs Benfica (1 - 3)
Benfica completed the job away from home, beating Aarhus 3-1 in Randers to seal a 6-2 aggregate win and a spot in the Europa League league phase. Gianluca Prestianni was the headline act, scoring twice either side of a spell that briefly threatened a home fightback. Prestianni opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Rafa Silva doubled the lead in the 56th. Aarhus hit back through Rasmus Carstensen in the 60th, but Prestianni settled things a minute later with his second. Mouhammade Camara and Carstensen were both booked for the hosts. The result extends Benfica's fine form following last week's 3-1 first-leg win at the Estádio da Luz, and books their place in the league phase proper. For Aarhus, a battling display at Cepheus Park Randers wasn't enough to close the gap, ending a promising European run at the play-off hurdle.
Hibernian vs Gent (2 - 3)
Hibernian gave everything at Easter Road but were undone by a cruel late twist, falling 2-3 to Gent in their Conference League qualifying play-off. The Belgians progress on aggregate after a goalless first leg, sealing it with a stoppage-time own goal that summed up a night of swinging fortunes. Josué Vergara put Gent ahead just before the break (39'), before Jason Kerr headed Hibs level (56') and Felix Passlack fired the hosts in front (77'). Gent responded through Christian Burgess, who nodded in from a corner (84'), then snatched victory when Miguel Chaiwa turned the ball into his own net in the first minute of stoppage time. Chaiwa's night worsened further as he was sent off moments later for a second bookable offense. The defeat ends Hibernian's European campaign at the play-off stage, a bitter pill after leading late on. Gent move into the group phase, buoyed by their resilience and a defense that held firm when it mattered most.
Rijeka vs Midtjylland (1 - 4)
Daniel Adu-Adjei gave Rijeka a dream start with a fourth-minute strike at Stadion HNK Rijeka, but any hope of a comeback in this Conference League qualifying play-off tie quickly evaporated as Midtjylland hit back within a quarter of an hour and never let go. Stanley Iheanacho leveled things up in the 17th minute, and after the sides went in level at the break, the Danish side turned the second half into a rout. Darío Osorio restored the lead in the 51st minute, Magnus Jensen doubled it just five minutes later, and Cho Gue-Sung completed the scoring in the 78th. Yellow cards were shown to Rijeka's Justas Lasickas, Jakov Puljic and Ante Majstorovic, plus Midtjylland's Mads Bech Sørensen, but there were no red cards or penalties to speak of. Coming off a 2-0 first-leg win, Midtjylland made light work of the return fixture, cruising through on a commanding aggregate scoreline and continuing their push toward the group stage. For Rijeka, the early goal offered a brief flicker of hope, but the second-half collapse ends their European run for this season.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tromsø (4 - 0)
Brighton made light work of Tromso at the Amex, turning a goalless first-leg stalemate into a comfortable 4-0 romp that sent them through to the Conference League's league phase. After struggling to convert chances in Norway despite dominating possession, the Seagulls found their finishing touch in front of their own fans and never let Tromso settle. Charalampos Kostoulas opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a turn-and-strike from 20 yards, before Maxim De Cuyper pounced on a sloppy Tromso goal-kick to make it two in the 33rd. Mats Wieffer added a third six minutes later, tapping in from De Cuyper's cross, and Olivier Boscagli sealed the rout in the 86th minute with a deflected effort from outside the box. The win, coming just days after Brighton thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 in the Premier League, underlines the strength in depth Fabian Hurzeler is building, with squad rotation ahead of an upcoming clash against Chelsea. For Tromso, the tie ends any European ambitions this season, while Brighton now await Friday's league phase draw.
Borac Banja Luka vs Víkingur Reykjavík (3 - 1)
Borac Banja Luka edged past Víkingur Reykjavík 3-1 at the Gradski Stadion in a UEFA Conference League play-off tie that swung back and forth before the hosts pulled clear late on. Víkingur Reykjavík's Damir Hrelja turned into his own net after 16 minutes to hand Borac Banja Luka an early lead, before Sebastián Herrera leveled for the visitors just past the hour. Luka Juričić restored the hosts' lead in the 67th minute, and Pavle Đajić added a third deep into stoppage time. Yellow cards flew for both sides in a feisty second half, though no one was sent off. The win sends Borac Banja Luka through to the next qualifying round, a welcome boost for the Bosnian side on home soil. For Víkingur Reykjavík, the fightback fell just short, and Iceland's representative exits the competition ruing an early own-goal setback.
Austria Vienna vs Sporting Braga (0 - 0)
Austria Vienna and Braga played out a goalless draw at Generali Arena, but the tie was already settled before kick-off. Braga's 2-0 first-leg win in Portugal meant the return leg result barely mattered, and goalkeeper Bernardo Fontes made sure it stayed that way with several sharp stops to protect the clean sheet. There were no goals and no cards. Julian Hettwer spurned an early chance for Austria Vienna, and Johannes Eggestein's shot was parried by Fontes in the 20th minute. Fran Navarro almost converted a Pau Víctor cross in the 16th, while Gabriel Silva's dipping effort (40') and Diogo Travassos' driving run (69') were both kept out by Samuel Radlinger. For Braga, the stalemate was enough to book their spot in the Conference League's league phase, winning 2-0 on aggregate. Austria Vienna's spirited display went unrewarded, and their European campaign ends here at the play-off stage.
St.Gallen vs Nordsjælland (2 - 3)
St. Gallen's Conference League playoff dream ended in heartbreak at Sitterstadion, falling 2-3 to Nordsjælland in a thrilling second leg that sent the Danes through 4-2 on aggregate. The night's defining moment came in the 82nd minute, when Hjalte Boe Rasmussen struck the winner against a home side that had clawed back twice despite playing over 40 minutes a man down. Nordsjælland struck first through Juho Lähteenmäki in the 14th minute, but Lukas Görtler answered from the penalty spot in the 21st to level things up. Prince Amoako Junior restored the visitors' lead just three minutes later, only for Aliou Balde to pull St. Gallen level again in the 28th. The tie turned in the 39th minute when Mihailo Stevanović was shown a second yellow card, leaving the hosts to defend with ten men until Rasmussen's late blow settled it. It's a bitterly disappointing exit for St. Gallen, whose spirited response deserved more given the numerical disadvantage. Nordsjælland, meanwhile, marches on into the next round having shown real resilience under pressure.
Thun vs Lech Poznań (2 - 2)
Thun and Lech Poznan played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their Europa League play-off second leg, though the result was little more than a formality after Lech's first-leg demolition job. The standout moment was Thun's spirited response, twice pulling level against a Polish side that had already all but wrapped up qualification a week earlier. Lech struck first through Robert Gumny in the 17th minute, but Thun hit back quickly as Simon Lengen equalized in the 22nd. Furkan Dursun then put the Swiss hosts ahead in the 43rd minute with a performance strong enough to earn him player of the match. Patrik Walemark restored parity for the visitors in the 68th minute to seal the 2-2 scoreline. There were no red cards or penalties in a match played at a noticeably relaxed tempo. With Lech having crushed Thun 7-0 in the first leg, the aggregate score finished 9-2 in the Polish champions' favor, sending them through to the Europa League league phase. For Thun, the second-leg fight offered some pride but couldn't undo the damage from the opener, ending their European campaign at this hurdle.
CSKA Sofia vs OFI (0 - 2)
OFI Crete finished the job in Sofia, beating CSKA Sofia 0-2 to seal a crushing 5-0 aggregate win and book their spot in the next round of Europa League qualifying. Needing a near-impossible comeback after losing the first leg 3-0 at home, CSKA never found the fast start they needed and were sunk before the hour mark. Thiago Nuss put the tie further out of reach with a 36th-minute strike, and Giannis Theodosoulakis added a second in the 78th minute to extinguish any lingering hope of a miracle. The hosts did have a glorious late chance in the box, but the effort was deflected wide. Four yellow cards were shown across the match, including two to CSKA players inside a two-minute spell either side of half-time. For OFI Crete, the win caps a dominant two-legged display and sends the Greek side into the next qualifying round with real momentum. For CSKA Sofia, the defeat extends their wait to end a five-year absence from European group-stage football, with home advantage and a nine-match unbeaten domestic run at Vasil Levski proving no match for a well-organized OFI side.
Viktoria Plzen vs Red Star Belgrade (5 - 1)
Viktoria Plzeň pulled off one of this season's great European turnarounds, thrashing Crvena Zvezda 5-1 after extra time to erase a 3-0 first-leg deficit and book their spot in the Europa League league phase on a 5-4 aggregate. Prince Adu put the hosts ahead in the 8th minute after missing a penalty moments earlier, but Mirko Ivanić struck straight back for the visitors just three minutes later. The tie turned when Bukari was sent off for Crvena Zvezda in the 53rd minute, and Plzeň pounced: Denis Višinský converted a penalty in the 58th minute before Patrik Hrošovský made it 3-1. Unable to finish the job in 90 minutes, Plzeň pushed on in extra time, with Christophe Kabongo slotting home another penalty deep into stoppage time and Dávid Krčík completing the rout soon after. It's a huge result for Viktoria Plzeň, who looked out of the tie after Belgrade and instead battled back a man advantage into a statement comeback. For Crvena Zvezda, it's a painful collapse after controlling the first leg, undone by the red card and a second-half capitulation that ended their European campaign.
Lillestrøm vs Egnatia Rrogozhinë (2 - 1)
Lillestrøm needed extra time to beat Egnatia 2-1 at Åråsen Stadion, completing a dramatic turnaround after looking set for elimination for much of the night. With the tie level at 0-0 after the first leg in Albania, the hosts had to dig deep before finally finding a breakthrough in extra time. Egnatia struck first when Eljon Sota put the visitors ahead in the 33rd minute, leaving Lillestrøm chasing the game. Sander Moen Foss leveled it up in the 82nd minute to force extra time, and Thomas Lehne Olsen struck in the 94th minute to complete the comeback. Several yellow cards were shown, but no one was sent off. The win sends Lillestrøm into the Europa League's league phase, a fine result for the Norwegian side. Egnatia's elimination stings after pushing the tie deep into extra time, but they drop into the Europa Conference League group stage, keeping their European season alive.
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Atalanta (0 - 1)
Atalanta booked their spot in the Conference League group stage with a hard-fought 0-1 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in Miskolc, needing a second-half substitute to finally break down a stubborn opponent after a goalless first leg in Bergamo. The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute, when substitute Lorenzo Bernasconi struck a deflected shot from the edge of the box that fell for fellow substitute Gianluca Scamacca to tap in from close range. Hapoel had gone close earlier through Alkoukin and pushed hard for an equalizer, but keeper Marco Carnesecchi held firm. No cards or penalties were shown. The result sends Atalanta into the Conference League group stage, a much-needed win to open Sarri's tenure on a positive note. For Hapoel Tel Aviv, it's the end of the European road, though they can be proud of taking a Serie A side deep into a tight two-legged tie.
Ajax vs Sion (5 - 3)
Ajax booked their spot in the Conference League group stage with a wild 5-3 win over Sion, capping the tie at 9-5 on aggregate. The hosts couldn't have started better, with Youri Baas heading home from a corner inside the first minute, setting the tone for an end-to-end affair in Amsterdam. Sion hit back twice through a Winsley Boteli brace (19', 36'), only for Davy Klaassen to restore Ajax's lead just before the break. Tolu Arokodare then took over, scoring in first-half stoppage time and again early in the second to put daylight between the sides, before Oliver Edvardsen capped a slick passing move to make it 5-2. Boteli completed his hat-trick with a stoppage-time consolation to set the final score. For Ajax, it's progression to the group phase under Míchel Sánchez, though the defensive lapses against Sion's attack may still worry supporters. For Sion, a spirited fightback wasn't enough, and their European campaign ends here.
Rakow Czestochowa vs Hajduk Split (2 - 3)
Hajduk Split needed extra time to see off Rakow Czestochowa, winning 3-2 in Czestochowa to book their spot in the group stage. The tie swung back and forth deep into the night before the visitors finally settled it in the closing seconds of extra time. Hajduk struck inside the first minute through Ron Raci, but Rakow levelled when Lamine Diaby-Fadiga converted a penalty in the 61st minute after Dario Maresic fouled Bogdan Racovitan in the box. Michele Sego restored the visitors' lead soon after, only for Mahir Emreli to draw the hosts level again in the 88th minute, sending the tie into extra time. Rokas Pukstas then struck in the 94th minute to complete the comeback. The win sends Hajduk Split through to the Conference League's main stage, extending their strong European run. For Rakow, it's a cruel exit after twice clawing back from behind, ending their continental campaign for the season.
Pafos vs Dinamo City (4 - 2)
Pafos needed extra time to see off a stubborn Dinamo City, winning 4-2 at Alphamega Stadium to reach the Conference League's league phase. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Elbasan, this return leg swung back and forth all night before two late extra-time goals finally settled it 5-3 on aggregate. David Fadairo put the Albanian visitors ahead in the 8th minute, but Ken Sema leveled just five minutes later. Nikolas Ioannou restored Pafos' lead in the 78th, only for Ruben Richards to strike again in the 87th and force extra time. There, Nicolas Ngamaleu (116') and Anderson Silva (120+1') completed the turnaround. Several yellow cards were shown, but no one was sent off. The result sends Pafos through to the league phase, a fitting reward for twice fighting back from behind. Dinamo City exit with heads held high after taking a stronger side to the wire, their European adventure ending one step short of the group stage.
Hradec Králové vs Panathinaikos (1 - 2)
Panathinaikos needed extra time and a stoppage-time penalty to see off Hradec Kralove, grinding out a 1-2 win in the Conference League play-off return leg to progress 4-3 on aggregate. The hosts pushed the Greeks all the way and were seconds from penalties before the tie swung late. Cyriel Dessers broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, only for Vladimir Darida to drag Hradec level with a stoppage-time equalizer in the 90+2nd minute, forcing extra time. Dessers then struck from the spot in the 120+5th minute to complete his brace and settle it. Tempers boiled over as David Horejs was sent off for Hradec in the 120+6th minute. It's a cruel exit for Hradec Kralove, whose first European run since 1995/96 ends short of the lucrative league phase despite fighting back twice across the tie. Panathinaikos move on battered but alive, with Dessers again the difference-maker.
Salzburg vs Mjällby (3 - 0)
Salzburg made light work of the second leg, brushing aside Mjällby 3-0 at home to turn a slender aggregate edge into a comfortable Europa League playoff win. The standout moment came from Karim Konaté, who scored twice in six second-half minutes to break the deadlock. The first half stayed goalless despite Salzburg's control, but Konaté struck in the 61st minute before adding a header in the 67th, set up by Edmund Baidoo. Haris Tabakovic wrapped things up in the 80th minute. Konaté was forced off with an injury shortly after his double, while Mjällby picked up three yellow cards for rough challenges as frustration grew. The win sends Salzburg through 4-0 on aggregate and into the Europa League league phase, continuing the Austrian side's habit of navigating summer qualifiers comfortably. For Mjällby, the Swedish champions' European adventure ends at the playoff stage, a battling display not enough to trouble Salzburg once they found their rhythm at home.
Omonia Nicosia vs Sint-Truiden (4 - 2)
Omonia tore up the script on Thursday night, beating St. Truiden 4-2 at GSP Stadium to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and book their place in the Europa League league phase. The night belonged to Dioni, whose relentless first-half running and clinical finishing left the Belgian side chasing shadows in front of a roaring home crowd. Dioni opened the scoring in the 16th minute and doubled it in the 29th, before Sebaoui pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 33rd. Dioni completed his hat-trick just five minutes into the second half, and Panayiotou added a fourth in the 83rd to put the tie beyond doubt. St. Truiden grabbed a late second goal, but it was no more than a consolation. The result sends Omonia into the Europa League league phase for the third time in the club's history, a huge boost after squandering the first-leg advantage away from home. For St. Truiden, the collapse means a disappointing drop into the Conference League instead.
Kauno Zalgiris vs Besiktas (1 - 0)
Kauno Zalgiris salvaged some pride on home soil, beating Besiktas 1-0 in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie, but it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg. The Lithuanian side pushed hard after the break and were rewarded with a goal that sent the home crowd into raptures, even if the bigger prize was already out of reach. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute, when substitute Renan turned home a chance set up by Deividas Mikelionis, who was later named Player of the Match. Yellow cards were shown to Anthony Kalik for the hosts and to Besiktas's Yilmaz as the game grew feisty in its closing stages. Besiktas dominated possession and had the better of the shot count, but couldn't find a way past a resolute Zalgiris defense. For Kauno Zalgiris, the win offers a moral boost and a memorable night for their fans, but it's the end of the European road this season after a 3-1 aggregate defeat. Besiktas, despite losing the second leg, cruise into the next round on the strength of their first-leg rout, with plenty to work on defensively before their next continental test.
Riga vs KÍ (2 - 1)
Riga FC edged past Klaksvík 2-1 at Skonto Stadium to complete a hard-fought Conference League playoff triumph, with the hosts having to see out the final quarter of the match down to ten men after a goalless first leg had left everything to play for at home. Reginaldo Ramires broke the deadlock early in the second half, finding the net in the 47th minute, only for Páll Klettskard to level things up for the visitors on 67 minutes. The match then took a dramatic turn when Andrés Salazar was sent off for violent conduct in the 75th minute, leaving Riga FC to defend a numerical disadvantage. They held firm and struck late, with Salah Oulad M'Hand netting the winner in the closing minutes to settle the tie. The win sends Riga FC through to the next round of qualifying on a 2-1 aggregate, a deserved reward for a dominant overall performance. For Klaksvík, it's the end of a spirited European run that came agonisingly close to a shock result away from home.
FC Copenhagen vs Inter Turku (4 - 1)
FC Copenhagen brushed aside Inter Turku 4-1 at Parken to seal a routine passage into the Conference League's league phase, turning a goalless first-leg draw into a home statement of authority. Gabriel Pereira broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, and Mads Emil Madsen doubled the lead four minutes into the second half. Inter Turku pulled one back through a Jasse Tuominen penalty in the 69th minute, but William Clem restored the two-goal cushion in the 78th minute before Prosper Ahiabu completed the rout in stoppage time. The win capped an ultra-comfortable qualifying run for Copenhagen, who also thumped Debrecen 8-1 on aggregate, and leaves them well-placed for the league phase draw. Inter Turku, who had eliminated Vaduz to get this far, are out of Europe for the season, but can be proud of holding the Danes scoreless in the first leg.
Brann vs PAOK (3 - 2)
Brann reached the Conference League league phase with a thrilling 3-2 win over PAOK in Bergen, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory after the first leg in Thessaloniki finished 1-1. The tie swung back and forth all night, only settled in the closing stages by a converted penalty. Noah Holm broke the deadlock right before halftime (45+3'), and Kristall Ingason doubled Brann's lead early in the second half (57'). PAOK hit back fast through Cherif Ndiaye (63') and Christos Zafeiris (67'), levelling at 2-2 inside four minutes and threatening a full comeback. Niklas Castro then won it from the spot in the 86th minute. For Brann, it's a statement run into the league phase capped by a nerve-shredding finish. For PAOK, missing suspended winger Zivkovic hurt, and a spirited second-half fightback wasn't enough to save their European campaign, which ends at the playoff stage.
Monaco vs Górnik Zabrze (4 - 1)
Monaco booked their spot in the Conference League league phase with a commanding 4-1 win over Górnik Zabrze at the Stade Louis II, sealing a 7-3 aggregate victory over the two legs. The hosts controlled the game from start to finish, racing into a two-goal cushion by half-time and never looking back. Paris Brunner opened the scoring in the 31st minute, before Mamadou Coulibaly doubled the lead just ahead of the break (44'). Aleksandr Golovin made it three shortly after the restart (51'), and Mika Biereth added a fourth in the 79th minute, finishing off a rebound after a driving run down the left. Górnik's only reply came from Janis Antiste, who pulled one back late on (84') with a slick piece of individual skill. No cards or penalties disrupted the contest. The win sends Monaco into the Conference League league phase for a third straight European campaign, rewarding a dominant display built on 67% possession and 15 shots. For Górnik Zabrze, the run in Europe ends at the playoff stage, with the late consolation offering little comfort after being outclassed over both legs.
Freiburg vs Motherwell (4 - 1)
Freiburg wrapped up their Conference League qualifying tie in style, brushing aside Motherwell 4-1 at home to seal a commanding 7-2 aggregate win. The decisive moment came just past the hour mark when Motherwell were reduced to ten men, and the German side ruthlessly took control from there. Derry Scherhant set the tone early, scoring in the 6th minute, before Motherwell hit back through Emmanuel Longelo in the 22nd. The tie turned on the 56th-minute sending-off of Jake Girdwood-Reich, dismissed for a foul on Scherhant, and Freiburg made the extra man count immediately: Igor Matanović struck in the 60th minute and Cyriaque Irié added another just three minutes later, both goals stemming from Scherhant's creativity. Keisuke Goto completed the rout late on. For Freiburg, the result confirms their place in the Conference League's league phase, a reward for a professional two-legged display against determined opposition. Motherwell's European run ends here, undone by the red card at a crucial moment, but they can take pride in testing a strong Bundesliga side across both matches.
Qarabag vs Twente (1 - 4)
Twente pulled off one of their great European comebacks, turning a 1-0 first-leg deficit into a 4-1 extra-time win away at Qarabag to reach the Conference League group stage. The Dutch side looked out of the tie for long spells before an astonishing finish flipped it their way. Kady fired Qarabag ahead in the 59th minute, but Marko Pjaca levelled the tie on aggregate in the 79th, and Max Bruns forced extra time deep into stoppage time. Wout Weghorst put Twente ahead in the 94th minute, before Younes Taha pounced on a goalkeeping error to make it 4-1 in the 114th. Qarabag's night got worse when Marko Jankovic was sent off for a second yellow in the 106th. It's a huge night for Twente, who overturn the first-leg loss to reach the group stage. For Qarabag, it's a bitter collapse — the Azerbaijani champions dominated for long stretches only to see the tie slip away in extra time.
Saburtalo vs Jagiellonia Białystok (1 - 2)
Iberia 1999 went down 1-2 to Jagiellonia at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, a result that confirmed a lopsided 6-1 aggregate outcome in this Europa League qualifying playoff. The Georgian side dominated the ball for long stretches but couldn't turn territory into a genuine European breakthrough. Jesús Imaz put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, only for Zviad Natchkebia to hit back four minutes later and briefly stir hope inside the home stadium. That optimism faded when Anders Klynge restored Jagiellonia's lead in the 70th minute, sealing the win. Three yellow cards were shown across both sides, but the contest stayed free of red cards or major flashpoints beyond the early penalty. The defeat, following a 4-0 first-leg beating in Białystok, ends Iberia 1999's European adventure for this season despite a spirited final performance. Jagiellonia, meanwhile, cruise through the tie in convincing fashion and can now turn their full attention to the next stage of Europa League qualification.
Ararat-Armenia vs Universitatea Craiova (1 - 0)
Ararat-Armenia reached the Europa League league phase with a stoppage-time smash-and-grab against Universitatea Craiova, winning the return leg 1-0 for a 2-1 aggregate win after the first leg finished 1-1 in Romania. The Romanians dominated for long spells but were undone by a chaotic finish in Yerevan. The winner came from chaos deep in stoppage time. Carlos Mora's foul on Balanta earned Ararat-Armenia a 90+2' penalty; goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu saved Sandro Lima's effort, but the kick was retaken for encroachment. Lima's second attempt was saved too, only for the rebound to be bundled in for the winner around the 90+7 mark. Bancu and Nsimba were both booked for Craiova, whose missed chances through Baiaram, Teles and Al Hamlawi proved costly. The result puts Ararat-Armenia into the Europa League league phase for the first time, while Universitatea Craiova drop into the Europa Conference League after controlling long spells but paying for a night of missed chances.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Lugano (1 - 1)
Maccabi Tel Aviv couldn't complete the great escape in Batumi, playing out a 1-1 draw with Lugano that still saw the Swiss side advance on aggregate. The hosts dominated large spells of the game but were left to rue their finishing after falling behind to a sucker-punch goal. Lugano struck first through Mattia Zanotti in the 58th minute, though the full-back was sent off moments later for a second yellow card, leaving his side to defend the closing stages a man down. Dor Peretz made it count, calmly slotting home a 69th-minute penalty to draw Maccabi Tel Aviv level, but the extra man couldn't find a winner. The draw sends Lugano through 3-2 on aggregate, rewarding a decisive first-leg win and extending their fine unbeaten run. For Maccabi Tel Aviv it's another painful European exit, though Mohamed Aly Camara's man-of-the-match display offers something to build on domestically.
KuPS vs Shamrock Rovers (1 - 0)
KuPS squeezed past Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in Kuopio, completing a 2-1 aggregate win in their Conference League play-off. With the tie locked at 1-1 from the first leg in Dublin, it took a late scramble in the box to finally break the deadlock at Savon Sanomat Areena. The only goal arrived in the 78th minute when Graham Burke turned a cross into his own net under pressure, wrong-footing goalkeeper McGinty. Earlier, VAR had waved away a Rovers penalty appeal in the 14th minute, ruling there was no case to answer. Bookings followed for John O'Sullivan, Pico Lopes and Matt Healy, with McGinty himself shown yellow in stoppage time for a rushed foul outside his box. The win sends KuPS into the Conference League group stage, a notable achievement for the Finnish champions. Shamrock Rovers exit Europe again under Stephen Bradley, undone in Kuopio by a cruel deflection rather than being outplayed on the night.
Inter Club d'Escaldes vs Drita
Inter Club d'Escaldes have a shot at history: a positive result would make them the first Andorran side to reach the league phase of a major European competition. With the first leg finishing 2-2 in Kosovo, this second leg in Andorra la Vella is level on aggregate, and a win or a draw sends the hosts through. Drita, by contrast, must win outright to keep their run alive. Form is split. Inter Escaldes have taken two wins and two draws from their last five, though a loss in their most recent outing raises questions, and Domi Berlanga remains their sharpest attacking outlet. Drita arrive unbeaten in four, scoring in every game across that run, with Rron Broja pushing for a start after impressing off the bench in the first leg. Both sides have found the net freely, and away form has been Drita's weak spot against compact, organised sides from smaller federations. Our prediction: 2-1
Jablonec vs Rangers
Rangers head to Czechia holding a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg, chasing a first-ever Conference League league-phase campaign since the competition launched in 2021. Lose the tie and it would mark Rangers' first season without European football in nine years, so there's plenty riding on this trip to Jablonec. Jablonec arrive full of confidence, having lost just once in their last seven games (that defeat coming at Ibrox) and won all four home matches this season, giving their coach belief he can turn the tie around. Rangers, meanwhile, are settling under new boss Derek McInnes after a shaky start, buoyed by a 5-1 League Cup rout and Ryan Naderi's decisive strike in leg one. McInnes is without suspended Cammy Devlin, sent off in the first leg, plus long-term absentee Youssef Chermiti. Expect Jablonec to push hard at home, but Rangers' cushion and growing momentum should be enough to get the job done. Our prediction: 1-1
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava (1 - 2)
Slovan Bratislava's know-how in extra time proved decisive as they edged past Celje 1-2 at Arena Z'dežele, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win in this Champions League playoff decider. Celje pushed hard for a first-ever spot in the league phase, but couldn't find a way past their more experienced visitors once the additional 30 minutes began. Andraz Sporar put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute, before Svit Seslar leveled for Celje from the penalty spot in the 34th, sending the tie into extra time at 1-1. Christian Martinez then restored Slovan's lead in the 100th minute, assisted by Nino Marcelli, and it stood. Yellow cards went to Milot Avdyli and Artemijus Tutyskinas for the hosts, and Sandro Cruz for the visitors. The result sends Slovan Bratislava into the Champions League league phase for the first time under this format, extending their long unbeaten run. Celje's historic European push ends agonizingly at the final playoff hurdle.
Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb (3 - 1)
Viking produced a stunning second-leg turnaround, beating Din. Zagreb 3-1 at home to complete a 5-3 aggregate win after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. The standout moment came early in the second half, when Viking scored twice in two minutes to seize control of the tie. Arber Hoxha put Din. Zagreb ahead in the 10th minute, but Zlatko Tripic equalized from the penalty spot eight minutes later. Viking then surged after the break, with Edvin Austbo scoring in the 48th minute and Tobias Moi following two minutes after to make it 3-1. There were no red cards, though yellow cards were shown to players on both sides. Din. Zagreb had more of the ball and more shots on the night, but couldn't match Viking's finishing. The win is a historic achievement for Viking, while Din. Zagreb's Champions League campaign ends in disappointment after leading in both legs of the tie.
Lyon vs Fenerbahce (1 - 2)
Fenerbahce pulled off a stunning comeback in Décines, beating Lyon 1-2 away to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time in 18 years. After a 1-1 draw in Istanbul, the Turkish side turned the tie around with a blistering start at Groupama Stadium. Vedat Muriqi put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute, and Archie Brown doubled the lead just four minutes later. Malick Fofana pulled one back for Lyon in the 61st minute, and the hosts had two further goals chalked off by VAR in the 71st and 75th minutes as they pushed for an equalizer. Goalkeeper Ederson was central to holding the lead, producing several key saves, including an early stop to deny Fofana in the 8th minute. The win is a landmark moment for Fenerbahce, ending a long absence from Europe's top competition and delivering a huge financial and prestige boost. For Lyon, the disallowed goals will sting as their European ambitions for the season take an early hit.
AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia (4 - 0)
AEK Athens produced a statement performance, thrashing Levski Sofia 4-0 in the second leg to complete a routine passage through their Champions League play-off. The tie had looked delicately balanced after a goalless first leg, but the hosts blew it open early, racing into a 3-0 lead by half-time at the Allwyn Arena. Luka Jovic opened the scoring in the 7th minute before Barnabas Varga struck twice, in the 12th and 29th minutes, to put the game beyond doubt. Razvan Marin added a penalty in the 55th minute for the fourth. Marin and Stavros Pilios both picked up yellow cards, but Levski Sofia barely threatened, managing only a few shots on goal all night. The aggregate win sends AEK Athens through to the next round of Europe's premier competition, a big result for a side chasing continental progress. Levski Sofia, meanwhile, exit the Champions League picture and will need to regroup for whatever European football comes next.
Rapid Vienna vs Hearts
SK Rapid Wien host Hearts at the Allianz Stadion in a winner-takes-all second leg, with a place in the Conference League's league phase on the line. The first leg in Edinburgh finished 2-2, leaving everything unresolved heading into Vienna. Rapid arrive full of confidence, unbeaten in nine competitive matches this season after routing Santa Coloma and Paide in earlier qualifying rounds. Hearts have had a rockier start under new boss Wouter Vrancken, including Champions League elimination and a heavy loss to Benfica, though they've steadied lately and matched Rapid stride for stride in the first leg. Rapid are missing five players, among them Dominic Vincze and Andrija Radulovic, while Nikolaus Wurmbrand, who scored their first-leg equaliser, is pushing for a start. Hearts are without four, including Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley, and their poor away record in Europe this season is a concern, even with Tonni Adamsen offering a goal threat up front. Our prediction: 2-1
Toulouse vs Lille
Toulouse welcome Lille to the Stadium de Toulouse in a fixture that offers an early gauge of both sides' Ligue 1 ambitions. Toulouse opened their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Lyon, while Lille marked Davide Ancelotti's managerial debut with a comfortable 2-0 win at Angers, putting them among the early pace-setters. Toulouse dominated possession and racked up 16 shots against Lyon but managed just two on target, exposing a lack of attacking sharpness that will need fixing. Lille, by contrast, looked sharp and aggressive under Ancelotti, with Olivier Giroud and Thiago Santos both on the scoresheet. The history favors the visitors too: Lille have won the last three meetings between these sides, including a 4-0 rout in Toulouse back in April. Our prediction: 1-2
Gent vs OH Leuven
Gent host Leuven on 3 September with the two clubs trending in opposite directions early in the Pro League season. Gent sit fifth after two rounds, while Leuven are bottom of the table without a point, so a positive result matters more to the visitors right now, even as the hosts look to keep pace near the top. Gent have won both league games so far, beating Mechelen and La Louvière, while also progressing in the Conference League. Josué Vergara scored on his league debut and Momodou Sonko made an instant impact off the bench, and new arrival Kyrell Wilson adds fresh competition at wingback. Leuven, meanwhile, have lost both openers, falling 3-1 at Charleroi, where Óscar Gil scored before Abdoul Karim Traoré was sent off, then losing 0-3 at home to Club Brugge. Historically this fixture has favoured the hosts, with Gent winning the clear majority of recent meetings between the two clubs. Our prediction: 2-0
Anderlecht vs Kortrijk
Anderlecht host Kortrijk at Lotto Park in a fixture that already carries weight in the Pro League's new format, where the play-offs are gone and every round matters. Anderlecht are building consistency under new boss Vitor Bruno after finishing sixth last season, while promoted Kortrijk are fighting to establish themselves after one year in the Challenger Pro League. Anderlecht's start has been mixed: a stoppage-time 2-1 win over RAAL La Louviere, sparked off the bench by Adriano Bertaccini, then a first domestic loss under Bruno, 1-0 at Beveren. They've looked sharper in Europe, beating PAOK and Kairat Almaty in qualifiers. Kortrijk have had a rougher start, taking back-to-back 3-0 beatings from Club Brugge and Antwerp, the latter built on a brace from Anthony Valencia, and are still chasing their first league goal. The sides last met in January 2025, when Anderlecht won 2-0. Our prediction: 2-0
Uruguay U20 vs Paraguay U20 (0 - 0)
Diego Forlán's first match in charge of Uruguay's under-20 team ended goalless, with the hosts held to a 0-0 draw by Paraguay in a closed-doors friendly at the Complejo Celeste in Montevideo — a quiet start for a coach who also leads the senior side. No goals or cards were reported, and both goalkeepers had little to do as clear chances stayed rare. Forlán gave minutes to newcomers such as center-back Facundo Abreu, son of former striker Sebastián Abreu, along with Valentino Wurth, Yuri Oyarzo and Julio Daguer. Paraguay, led by Antolín Alcaráz, used the trip to rotate players of their own. The result changes little by itself; a rematch follows Thursday, also in Montevideo. For Uruguay, it's a building block toward the South American Games in Santa Fe and the 2027 U20 Championship, while Paraguay is using the same window to prepare for those same competitions.
Uzbekistan U20 vs Korea Republic U20 (0 - 0)
Uzbekistan U20 and South Korea U20 played out a goalless draw in Tashkent, capping the visitors' pre-tournament camp with a tidy defensive display rather than fireworks. Both goalkeepers had little serious work to do as clear-cut chances were scarce, with the friendly serving more as a fitness and shape check than an attacking showcase for either side. Neither team broke the deadlock across the 90 minutes, and no cards or major flashpoints emerged from the contest — a quiet, business-like send-off for South Korea U20 as they wrapped up their preparations abroad. For South Korea U20, the result matters less than the readiness it signals: coach Kim Jeong-soo's squad, captained by goalkeeper Song An-ton, now heads to Bishkek to open the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers against Lebanon on August 31 before facing hosts Kyrgyzstan on September 6. For Uzbekistan U20, the draw offers a useful gauge against regional opposition as their own development continues.
LASK vs Celtic (5 - 1)
LASK pulled off one of this season's great European comebacks, storming back from 3-0 down on aggregate to beat Celtic 5-1 after extra time and snatch a Champions League play-off spot the Scottish champions had all but wrapped up. Callum McGregor struck early to put the visitors further clear, finishing in the 21st minute to move Celtic 4-0 up on aggregate. But a careless backpass from Benjamin Nygren gifted Moses Usor a simple finish on 32 minutes, and LASK never let up from there. Robert Ljubicic drilled home a low strike just after the break (48'), Samuel Adeniran curled in a second on 58', and Florian Flecker leveled the tie deep into normal time (90') to force extra time. Adeniran struck again on 109' before seeing a late penalty saved by Viljami Sinisalo, but the damage was already done. The win sends LASK into the Champions League league phase, a stunning reward after conceding three at home in the first leg. For Celtic, it's a chastening exit into the Europa League, a second-leg collapse that will sting for a long time.
Bodø / Glimt vs NEC (3 - 0)
Bodo/Glimt made light work of Nijmegen at Aspmyra Stadion, cruising to a 3-0 win that completed a 6-1 aggregate demolition and sent the Norwegian champions into the Champions League league phase. The tie was effectively settled early when Nijmegen were reduced to ten men, and the hosts made their advantage count before the break. With the extra man, Bodo/Glimt piled on the pressure and got their reward right at the end of the first half. Fredrik Bjorkan opened the scoring in the 47th minute, and Sondre Auklend added a second just moments later off a Jens Petter Hauge assist. Nijmegen's misery deepened in the 74th minute when Deveron Fonville turned the ball into his own net. Gonzalo Crettaz's dismissal for denying a goal-scoring chance had already tilted the contest well before that. For Bodo/Glimt, it's another statement European run and a place among the continent's elite this autumn. For Nijmegen, the heavy defeat ends their Champions League dream and leaves plenty to reflect on after a one-sided playoff tie.
Sabah vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva (5 - 2)
Sabah Baku pulled off a stunning comeback in the Champions League qualifying playoffs, beating H. Beer Sheva 5-2 after extra time in their second leg. Level on aggregate deep into stoppage time, Sabah exploded for two extra-time goals to complete the turnaround. Igor Zlatanovic opened the scoring for Beer Sheva in the 10th minute, but Chucky Nwachukwu equalized in the 38th. Gabriel Mizrahi restored the lead in the 61st before Umar Rakhmonaliyev leveled again in the 74th. Tagir Mutallimov's 90+4 strike forced extra time, where Omoladhaj Mbina (101') and Joy Lance Mickels (115') sealed it. Beer Sheva finished with nine men, D. T. Diop dismissed in the 100th minute and Eliel Peretz in the 117th. The result sends Sabah through to the next qualifying round after a remarkable late surge, while Beer Sheva's European run ends in heartbreak despite twice leading in Baku.
Falkirk vs Rangers
Falkirk and Rangers meet in just their second Premiership clash, with both sides in the bottom half after two rounds, level on a single point. For Rangers, it matters: a winless start and a Europa League exit to Jagiellonia Bialystok have already sparked "worse than Russell Martin" talk around new boss Derek McInnes. Falkirk, rebuilding after a big squad clear-out, want proof they can match last season's sixth-place finish. Rangers' one bright spot has been a 5-1 League Cup win over St Mirren, coming after a 1-2 home defeat to Hibernian and that European exit. New captain Lawrence Shankland, who joined from Hearts, carries much of the attacking hope. Falkirk have just a point so far, including a 0-0 draw with Motherwell, after losing top scorer Barney Stewart to West Brom; new forwards Jacob Murrell and Ben Parkinson arrive to fill the gap. The sides' only previous meeting finished 6-3 to Rangers. Our prediction: 1-2