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The fixtures for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off stage have been confirmed following the conclusion of the third qualifying round second-leg matches played on Tuesday night.
Among the highlights, Fenerbahçe advanced after a thrilling 5-2 home victory over Feyenoord, securing a 6-4 aggregate win. Pafos also sealed their spot in the next round, defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 to complete a 3-0 aggregate triumph.
Naija News reports that the play-off stage is scheduled to kick off next week, Tuesday, with clubs battling for a place in the lucrative Champions League group stage.
Full UEFA Champions League Play-off Stage Fixtures
- Ferencváros vs Qarabağ
- Crvena Zvezda vs Pafos
- Rangers vs Club Brugge
- Bodø/Glimt vs Sturm Graz
- Celtic vs Kairat Almaty
- Basel vs Copenhagen
- Fenerbahçe vs Benfica
The winners of these play-off ties will progress to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, joining Europe’s elite clubs.
The play-off matches will be played over two legs later this month, with the aggregate winners advancing.
Meanwhile, the 2025/2026 English Premier League season kicks off this weekend, promising fresh drama, fierce competition, and, inevitably, debates over refereeing decisions.
Naija News reports that the defending champions Liverpool will open the Premier League campaign under the Anfield lights on Friday, August 15, hosting Bournemouth in what’s expected to be a charged curtain-raiser.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has now confirmed the officials who will oversee Matchweek 1, with some of the league’s most experienced referees, and a few rising names, taking charge.
Anthony Taylor will referee the season opener on Merseyside, assisted by Gary Beswick and Craig Taylor. Michael Oliver heads the VAR team, supported by Thomas Bramall.
The action continues on Saturday, with Aston Villa hosting Newcastle United in the early kick-off, where Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle.
Other fixtures see Sam Barrott handle Brighton vs Fulham, Robert Jones officiate Sunderland vs West Ham, Michael Oliver take Tottenham vs Burnley, and Jarred Gillett oversee Wolves’ clash with Manchester City in the evening slot.
Sunday’s headline fixture is Manchester United vs Arsenal at Old Trafford, refereed by Simon Hooper, with Paul Tierney on VAR duty. Chelsea face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, while Nottingham Forest host Brentford.
The first round concludes on Monday night as Leeds United welcome Everton at Elland Road, with Chris Kavanagh in charge.
The post Full List: 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Play-off Fixtures Confirmed appeared first on Naija News.
