The road to the UEFA Champions League group stage is heating up, with the first legs of the third qualifying round kicking off on Tuesday. Four matches were played, and while some clubs made a strong statement, others have work to do heading into next week’s return legs.

Ukrainian fans were left disappointed as Dynamo Kyiv stumbled at home, drawing a frustrating result against Cypriot side Pafos FC. The Ukrainian giants now face an uphill battle ahead of the second leg.

The standout performance of the night came from Rangers, who cruised to a commanding 3-0 home victory over Viktoria Plzeň. The Scottish side now holds a comfortable advantage as they look to book their place in the play-off round.

Qarabağ FK also picked up a crucial win on the road, edging past North Macedonian outfit Shkëndija with a narrow 1-0 result. It was a disciplined and professional performance from the Azerbaijani champions.

Action continues on Wednesday with several high-stakes clashes on the agenda. Fans can look forward to heavyweight battles such as OGC Nice vs. SL Benfica and Feyenoord vs. Fenerbahçe.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Day : 2025-08-05

"Malmö" - "Koebenhavn" 0:0
Yellow Cards : Djuric A. 65 - Achouri 49; Claesson 83

"Dynamo Kyiv" - "Pafos FC" 0:1 (0:0)
Goals : Anderson Silva, 84 (0:1)
Yellow Cards : Mykhailenko M. 16; Shaparenko 98 - Tankovic 29; Pêpê R. 94; Quina 98

"Shkendija" - "Qarabag" 0:1 (0:1)
Goals : Bayramov T., 18 (penalty) (0:1)
Yellow Cards : Cake 37 - Kady B. 66; Kochalski 69; Kashchuk 90

"Rangers" - "Viktoria Plzen" 3:0 (2:0)
Goals : Gassama, 15 (1:0); Dessers, 45 (penalty) (2:0); Gassama, 51 (3:0)
Yellow Cards : Raskin 31; Jefté 41 - Markovic Sv. 19; Valenta 87