Champions League: Seven play-off ties set for decisive battle

The race for the final seven places in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase will intensify this week as 14 clubs contest seven play-off ties. According to Vanguard News, first-leg matches are scheduled for August 18 and 19, with the return legs taking place on August 25 and 26.

Fenerbahçe will face Lyon, while Celtic meet LASK. Other ties see NEC take on Bodø/Glimt, AEK Athens face Levski Sofia, GNK Dinamo play Viking, Slovan Bratislava meet Celje and Hapoel Beer-Sheva face Sabah. Winners will reach the league phase, while losers drop into the Europa League.