The decisive final stage of Champions League qualifying has commenced, bringing the group stage closer to completion. These crucial ties are played over two legs, but the opening fixtures on Tuesday delivered several surprises, with no home team managing to secure even a draw. Rangers faced boos from their fans after a disappointing loss to Club Brugge, while Cypriot side Pafos FC appears to be on the cusp of a historic achievement. Here`s a closer look at the day`s events:
Champions League Qualifying Scores from Tuesday
- Crvena zvezda 1, Pafos FC 2
- Ferencvaros 1, Qarabag 3
- Rangers 1, Club Brugge 3
Rangers Are Booed Off the Pitch
In Scottish football, Rangers have struggled to match the performance of their rivals Celtic, who enjoyed a Champions League campaign last season while Rangers competed in the Europa League. A two-goal deficit from the home leg of this playoff against Club Brugge could already spell the end of the Ibrox club`s Champions League aspirations. Manager Russell Martin has previously criticized the ego and mindset of players in his squad, observations that unfortunately haven`t translated into improved performances on the pitch. By the final whistle, Rangers were met with boos from their disillusioned fans, who clearly expected a better showing from their team. Club Brugge, aiming for their second consecutive appearance in the Champions League group stage, are now well-positioned to achieve that goal following this crucial away victory.
Pafos Could Make History
The expansion of the Champions League has paved the way for new debutants, and another club is now on the verge of making history. Cypriot side Pafos FC stands remarkably close to securing their first-ever appearance in the Champions League proper, following an impressive 2-1 away victory against Crvena zvezda, a team accustomed to regular UCL participation. Pafos demonstrated composure and control during their away fixture against the Serbian giants. The club has experienced rapid growth; the 2024-25 season marked their inaugural foray into European football, where they notably reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League. Leveraging that experience as a stepping stone towards Champions League football is nothing short of extraordinary and could introduce the 9,300-seat Stelios Kyriakides Stadium to Europe`s elite competition. While significant work remains, the substantial investment made in 2017, leading to the rebuilding of their training center and the appointment of Juan Carlos Carcedo as manager, is clearly yielding impressive results.
Can Robbie Keane`s Team Bounce Back?
Despite taking a 1-0 lead before halftime, Robbie Keane`s Ferencvaros squad faces a considerable challenge in their upcoming away fixture against Qarabag in Azerbaijan. This tie presents Keane with the opportunity to manage in the Champions League for the first time, an important step in his burgeoning coaching career since taking the helm at Maccabi Tel Aviv and subsequently moving to Hungary. While his teams have consistently shown strong organization, securing a Champions League berth and overcoming the current deficit could significantly elevate Keane`s profile for larger managerial roles in the future. With an illustrious playing career behind him, he has embarked on a demanding but, so far, successful path in football management.
Wednesday`s Schedule
- Celtic vs. Kairat, 3 p.m.
- Basel vs. Copenhagen, 3 p.m.
- Fenerbahce vs. SL Benfica, 3 p.m.
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Sturm Graz, 3 p.m.
