The race for a place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round gathered pace on Tuesday, as the first six teams secured their spots after a dramatic night of European action. Each side reached the next stage in very different fashion, with comeback victories, extra-time drama and nerve-shredding penalty shootouts taking centre stage.

The standout performance came from Dinamo Zagreb, who produced a remarkable comeback against Thun. Trailing 2-0, the Croatian champions looked to be heading out of the competition before mounting an inspired fightback to level the tie. They then completed the turnaround with a decisive goal in extra time, sealing one of the most memorable victories of the qualifying round.

Elsewhere, Celje endured the longest route to qualification. The Slovenian side were pushed all the way by Egnatia, with neither team able to find the winning goal over 120 minutes. The contest was ultimately settled from the penalty spot, where Celje held their nerve to book their place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

2026-27, Champions League

Day : 2026-07-28

"Lincoln Red Imps" - "Mjällby AIF" 0:0
Yellow Cards : García T. 42; Nano 49; Mandi 72; Eersteling 77 -

"KuPS" - "Sabah FC" 0:2 (0:0)
Goals : Simić V., 52 (0:1); Mickels J-L., 70 (0:2)
Yellow Cards : Pennanen P. 62; Magassa 89 - Rakhmonaliev 60

"Shamrock Rovers" - "Ararat-Armenia" 2:1 (2:0)
Goals : Healy M., 11 (1:0); Greene A., 36 (2:0); Lima S., 73 (2:1)
Yellow Cards : Lopes Ro. 58 - Junior Julio 50; Wilson B. 81; França 82

"Dinamo Zagreb" - "Thun" 3:2 (0:2)
Goals : Labeau, 4 (0:1); Bürki M., 22 (0:2); Beljo, 74 (1:2); Kačavenda, 78 (2:2); Valincic, 112 (3:2)
Yellow Cards : Zajc 21; Goda 26; Mišić J. 62; Topić 64; Hoxha Ar. 120 - Ibayi 116
Red cards : - Bürki M. 67'

"NK Celje" - "Egnatia" 2:2 (1:1), shoot-out 4:1
Goals : Hrka, 21 (own goal) (0:1); Kvesić, 34 (1:1); Kvesić, 97 (penalty) (2:1); Smajli, 114 (2:2)
Yellow Cards : Daniel 68; Dukuly 73; Diounkou 100; Tutyskinas 115 - Fernando M. 81; Jaime G. 90; Gruda 90

"Hearts" - "Sturm" 0:2 (0:0)
Goals : Seidl S., 64 (0:1); Soglo, 68 (0:2)
Yellow Cards : - Vallci 61