The Champions League 2026-27 qualifying first round concluded on July 2 with Celtic, Fenerbahce, Bodo Glimt and Dynamo Kiev among the 16 clubs advancing to the second round. 52 clubs competed across 26 ties, with most favourites progressing but not without some dramatic moments along the way. The new 36-team single-league format starts in September, and these clubs are fighting for their place in the biggest club competition in world football.
Celtic beat Pyunik 4-1 on aggregate to ease through, while Fenerbahce survived a penalty shootout against Qarabag. Bodo Glimt continued their remarkable European journey by defeating RFS, and Dynamo Kiev survived a scare against Moldovan champions Petrocub Hincesti. The second round draw has been made, and the stakes are even higher.
Follow every Champions League qualifying match live with iscore.ai for real-time scores, stats and in-game analysis from the first round through to the group stage draw in late August.
Champions League First Round Results: Winners and Losers
The first round delivered goals, drama and some surprising scorelines across Europe. 26 ties produced 84 goals, an average of 3.23 per game, showing that Champions League qualifying is far from a formality. Clubs from smaller nations are increasingly competitive, and the gap between the so-called minnows and the established European sides is narrowing.
The standout aggregate scoreline came from Norwegian champions Bodo Glimt, who demolished RFS 8-1 over two legs. The Arctic Circle club has established itself as one of Europe's most attacking teams under their Norwegian manager, and they showed their class again. With Erling Haaland's younger brother potentially joining next season, Bodo Glimt could become an even bigger force.
Celtic were the most impressive of the British clubs, beating Armenian champions Pyunik 4-1 on aggregate. The Scottish champions won 2-0 in Glasgow and 2-1 in Yerevan, with new signing Alexander Isak scoring in both legs. Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad for PS40m, has already shown why Celtic invested heavily in him. The Swedish striker's movement and finishing gave Pyunik constant problems.
Fenerbahce endured the most drama, needing penalties to see off Qarabag. The Azerbaijani side drew 1-1 in Istanbul and 2-2 in Baku, forcing a shootout that Fenerbahce won 4-2. It was a nervy night for the Turkish giants, who had been among the pre-tournament favourites. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saved two penalties to send Fenerbahce through.
Dynamo Kiev were another club who made hard work of their tie. The Ukrainian champions faced Moldovan champions Petrocub Hincesti and won 3-2 on aggregate. The scoreline does not tell the full story. Kiev were 2-0 down in the second leg before scoring three late goals to rescue the tie. It was a reminder that no lead is safe in European football.
Celtic's Path to the Group Stage
Celtic have been handed a favourable draw in the second round and will fancy their chances of reaching the group stage. The Scottish champions face Union Saint-Gilloise, who finished third in the Belgian Pro League last season. The Belgian side knocked out Rangers in the Europa League last season but lack Champions League experience.
Celtic's summer transfer business has been impressive. Isak is the marquee signing, but they have also added quality in midfield with the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham for PS25m. The Portuguese midfielder brings physicality and ball-winning ability that Celtic have lacked in recent Champions League campaigns. Reo Hatate remains at the club and will be key to their chances.
The Glasgow side reached the group stage last season and acquitted themselves well, picking up draws against Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk. They know that competing in the Champions League brings significant financial rewards. The group stage alone guarantees PS30m in prize money, with more available for wins and draws. For a club of Celtic's size, that money is crucial for future squad building.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has transformed Celtic since his arrival two years ago. His high-tempo, attacking style has brought domestic dominance and now he wants to translate that to Europe. The first round win over Pyunik was a confidence booster. If Celtic can navigate the next two rounds, they could well find themselves in the pot three or four for the group stage draw.
Fenerbahce's Penalty Drama Against Qarabag
Fenerbahce's progression to the second round came the hard way. The Turkish giants went into the second leg at home as heavy favourites but found themselves behind after 23 minutes when Qarabag's Abdellah Zoubir scored. Fenerbahce equalised through Edin Dzeko in the 67th minute, but they could not find a winner.
The 1-1 draw on the night meant the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate. Fenerbahce had scored a crucial away goal in the first leg, which ultimately saved them. The penalty shootout followed the same pattern as the first leg, with both sides scoring their first four kicks. Then came the decisive moment. Qarabag's fifth penalty taker, Kevin Medina, saw his effort saved by Bayindir. Fenerbahce captain Arda Guler stepped up and converted to send the Istanbul crowd into ecstasy.
It was a massive relief for Fenerbahce, who have not reached the Champions League group stage since 2018. The club have invested heavily this summer, bringing in Dzeko on a free transfer, signing Leroy San from Bayern Munich for PS35m and adding full-back Ridle Baku from Wolfsburg. The expectation is that Fenerbahce will challenge for the title in Turkey and return to Europe's top table.
Second round opponents Hajduk Split from Croatia will be tough but manageable. The Croatian side finished second in their domestic league last season and have European pedigree, having reached the Europa League group stage in 2024. Fenerbahce should have too much quality, but after the Qarabag scare, they will take nothing for granted.
Bodo Glimt Continue European Rise
Bodo Glimt's 8-1 aggregate win over RFS was a statement of intent. The Norwegian club have been on a remarkable upward trajectory since their Norwegian title win in 2020. They reached the Europa Conference League quarter-finals in 2022 and have now established themselves as a force in Champions League qualifying.
The Arctic Circle club play an intense pressing style that overwhelms opponents. Their 5-0 win in the first leg was as comprehensive a performance as you will see in European football. The second leg was a formality, with Bodo Glimt rotating their squad and still winning 3-1. Their squad depth is impressive for a club from a league of this size.
Manager Kjetil Knutsen has built something special in northern Norway. The club's recruitment policy focuses on young, hungry players who fit their system. They have found gems like Hugo Vetlesen and Albert Gronbaek, who have both attracted interest from bigger clubs. The key for Bodo Glimt is holding onto their best players while continuing to improve.
The second round draw has paired Bodo Glimt with CFR Cluj. The Romanian champions will provide a stiffer test than RFS, but Bodo Glimt will be confident. They have played 42 European matches over the past four seasons and that experience is invaluable. If they can reach the third qualifying round, they would be just one step away from the group stage.
Dynamo Kiev Survive Moldovan Scare
Dynamo Kiev's 3-2 aggregate win over Petrocub Hincesti was a reminder that Champions League qualifying is never straightforward. The Ukrainian champions were comfortable winners of the first leg, winning 2-0 in Chisinau. They traveled to Kiev with a cushion but nearly threw it away.
Petrocub Hincesti, playing in their first Champions League qualifying campaign, scored twice in the first half to lead 2-0. The Moldovan side were 45 minutes away from one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history. Dynamo Kiev manager Mircea Lucescu made changes at half-time and the substitutions worked. Vitaliy Buyalskyi scored in the 56th minute and Oleksandr Karavayev added a second in the 74th. Dynamo Kiev held on to win 3-2 on aggregate.
It was a harsh lesson for Dynamo Kiev, who should have been more professional in killing off the tie. The Ukrainian side have not reached the Champions League group stage since 2021 and are desperate to return. Their squad is not what it was, but they still have quality. Viktor Tsyhankov remains one of the most creative players in Eastern Europe.
Second round opponents Servette from Switzerland will provide a stern test. The Swiss side finished second in the Swiss Super League last season and have beaten better teams than Dynamo Kiev in qualifying before. It is 50-50 who will advance, and Dynamo Kiev will need to be at their best.
Second Round Draw: Key Matchups
The Champions League second round draw took place immediately after the first round concluded. The 16 first round winners were joined by 16 higher-ranked clubs entering at this stage. The draw produced some intriguing matchups and has set up some tantalising ties.
The standout tie sees Red Star Belgrade face Ferencvaros. Both clubs have Champions League experience and will be confident of advancing. Red Star Belgrade reached the group stage last season and have strengthened their squad with the signing of winger Aleksandar Katai. Ferencvaros have been here before and know what it takes.
Malmo FF face Shakhtyor Soligorsk in a tie between two clubs with contrasting histories. Malmo are Swedish champions and have reached the Champions League group stage four times in the past decade. The Belarusian side have never gone this far. Malmo will be heavy favourites.
Maccabi Tel Aviv face Sheriff Tiraspol in an all-Eastern European tie. Sheriff famously knocked out Real Madrid in the group stage in 2021, but those days are gone. The Moldovan club have struggled since and Maccabi Tel Aviv will be confident of advancing.
The second round takes place over two legs on July 15-16 and 22-23. The winners advance to the third and final qualifying round, which takes place in early August. Only 8 clubs will survive the entire qualifying path and reach the group stage.
Teams to Watch in Qualifying
Bodo Glimt are the team to watch. Their performances over the past four seasons have been remarkable, and they continue to improve. The Norwegian club have developed a clear identity and stick to it relentlessly. Their high-pressing, high-tempo style is difficult to play against, and they have shown they can compete with bigger teams.
Celtic are another team to watch. The Scottish champions have made smart signings and have a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players. Isak could be the difference in tight games. If Celtic can navigate the next two rounds, they could well compete in the group stage.
Fenerbahce are under pressure but have the quality to go all the way. Dzeko brings Champions League experience, and Guler is one of the most talented young players in Europe. The Turkish giants have not reached the group stage in eight years and will be desperate to end that drought.
Red Star Belgrade should not be discounted. The Serbian champions have Champions League pedigree and have beaten bigger teams in qualifying before. Their stadium creates one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe, and that could be the difference in close ties.
Which Underdogs Could Cause Upsets?
Ferencvaros are the underdogs to watch. The Hungarian champions have beaten bigger teams before and reached the Europa League group stage last season. They play a disciplined, organised style that frustrates opponents. Red Star Belgrade will know they are in a game.
Hajduk Split could surprise Fenerbahce. The Croatian side have passionate supporters and a stadium that creates a hostile atmosphere. Fenerbahce's penalty shootout drama against Qarabag suggests they are vulnerable. Hajduk Split will fancy their chances.
CFR Cluj are not to be underestimated. The Romanian champions have reached the Champions League group stage before and know what it takes. Bodo Glimt will be favourites, but this tie is not a foregone conclusion. CFR Cluj have experience and quality.
Servette could be the surprise package. The Swiss side finished second in the Swiss Super League last season and have beaten better teams than Dynamo Kiev. They play an attacking style that could expose Dynamo Kiev's defensive vulnerabilities. This is one of the more evenly matched ties of the round.
The Road to the Group Stage
The Champions League qualifying path is gruelling. Three rounds over two months, with each tie demanding peak physical and mental performance. Clubs must balance European commitments with domestic seasons that are just starting. It is a test of squad depth and management.
The financial rewards make it worthwhile. Reaching the group stage guarantees at least PS30m, with more available for wins and draws. For clubs from smaller leagues, that money can transform their budgets and allow them to sign better players. It is a virtuous cycle.
The new 36-team single-league format means there are more spots available. 8 teams will qualify through the champions path, and 4 through the league path. The increased opportunity has intensified competition, and the quality in qualifying has improved as a result.
Follow the entire Champions League qualifying journey on iscore.ai. Live scores, match stats, standings and in-game analysis are available for every match from now until the group stage draw in late August. Do not miss a moment of the drama.
FAQ
Who won the Champions League first round ties on July 2?
Celtic beat Pyunik 4-1 on aggregate, Fenerbahce advanced past Qarabag on penalties, Bodo Glimt defeated RFS 8-1, Dynamo Kiev beat Petrocub Hincesti 3-2, and 52 clubs competed for 16 spots in the group stage. The first round concluded with most favourites advancing but some close scares along the way.
When is the Champions League second round?
Champions League second round matches begin July 15-16 2026 with the first legs. The return legs take place July 22-23. The winners advance to the third and final qualifying round, which starts in early August. The group stage draw takes place in late August.
Where can I follow Champions League qualifying live?
Visit iscore.ai for live scores, match stats and real-time updates across all Champions League qualifying matches. The platform provides minute-by-minute coverage of every tie from the first round through to the group stage.