The UEFA Champions League third qualifying round has wrapped up, and the road to the group stage is heating up! Ten teams have secured their spots in the playoff round, but not without some drama. Let's dive into the key stats from Tuesday's return legs that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Copenhagen's Dominance: A Nordic Nightmare for Malmo
FC Kobenhavn absolutely demolished Malmo, securing a resounding 5-0 victory on the night and advancing with ease. This win brings them one step closer to their seventh Champions League group stage appearance. On the flip side, this was Malmo's worst defeat in the competition in a decade, a stark reminder of Real Madrid's 8-0 thrashing in 2015/16.
Penalty Heartbreak for Slovan Bratislava
Slovan Bratislava battled hard, forcing a penalty shootout against Kairat Almaty after leveling the tie. However, Kairat emerged victorious 4-3 on penalties. This victory means Kairat is the only team still in the UCL to have participated in all four qualifying rounds this summer. Despite the win, Kairat's defeat extends their winless streak in UEFA club competitions to seven matches (0-2-5).
Red Star Holds Strong Despite Red Card Drama
Crvena zvezda managed to hold off Lech Poznan despite playing with ten men for much of the second half. The 1-1 draw in Belgrade was enough to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory. Red Star, now reaching at least the playoff round for the fourth consecutive year, remains undefeated in six meetings against Polish teams, although this was their first draw in those encounters.
Ferencvaros Impresses with Varga's Brace
Ferencvaros delivered an impressive performance in their second leg match, with Barnabas Varga scoring twice in their 3-0 win over Ludogorets. This secured a comfortable aggregate victory for the Hungarians, who are participating in the UCL for the seventh consecutive year.
The Champions League qualifying rounds continue to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected results. Who will make it to the group stage? Stay tuned!