Sabah Baku and Mjällby AIF advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League following decisive second-leg performances, according to match reports. Sabah Baku secured their progression with a 2-0 away victory over KuPS Kuopio, advancing 3-0 on aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0. Mjällby AIF moved forward after a scoreless draw against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar, protecting a 3-0 lead from their home fixture a week prior.
Mjällby AIF Advances to Face Slovan Bratislava or Iberia Tbilisi Winner
Mjällby AIF will face the winner of the second-round tie between Slovan Bratislava and Iberia Tbilisi in the third qualifying round, based on tournament brackets. That decisive domestic matchup takes place on Tehelné pole. Mjällby earned their spot in the next phase by shutting out Lincoln Red Imps defensively on the road, securing a comfortable aggregate margin built during their dominant home leg.
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Drama and Extra-Time Victories Across Europe
Dinamo Záhreb narrowly avoided elimination against FC Thun, staging a dramatic comeback after falling behind 2-0, according to match summaries. The match shifted when Thun’s Burki received a red card in the 67th minute. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, the Croatian side leveled the score 2-2 before claiming victory in extra time to win 3-2 on the night and advance. NK Celje also required extra time and penalties to overcome KF Egnatia following a 2-2 draw.
Austria’s Sturm Graz secured a straightforward progression against Heart of Midlothian. Following a 4-0 home win, Sturm Graz recorded a 2-0 away victory in Scotland to complete a comprehensive 6-0 aggregate win. Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers fell 2-1 to Ararat-Armenia on the night, but Ararat advanced thanks to a 2-0 victory in their first leg.
| Matchup | Second Leg Score | Aggregate Result | Advancing Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| KuPS Kuopio vs. Sabah Baku | 0-2 | 0-3 | Sabah Baku |
| Lincoln Red Imps vs. Mjällby AIF | 0-0 | 0-3 | Mjällby AIF |
| Dinamo Záhreb vs. FC Thun | 3-2 (a.e.t.) | 4-3 | Dinamo Záhreb |
| Heart of Midlothian vs. Sturm Graz | 0-2 | 0-6 | Sturm Graz |
Schedule for the Third Qualifying Round
The matches for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League are scheduled to take place on August 4 and August 5, according to the tournament calendar. The return legs will follow on August 11. Surviving clubs now prepare for tighter competition as the path to the group stage narrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round matches take place?
The first legs are scheduled for August 4 and 5, with the return legs set for August 11.
Who will Mjällby AIF play in the next round?
Mjällby will face the winner of the second-round tie between Slovan Bratislava and Iberia Tbilisi.
How did Sabah Baku reach the 3rd qualifying round?
Sabah Baku defeated KuPS Kuopio 2-0 away in the second leg, winning 3-0 on aggregate.
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