The UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds commenced for the 2026/27 season, with several matches showcasing unexpected results. One of the standout fixtures took place in Malta, where Floriana achieved a significant victory over Shamrock Rovers.

Floriana's Surprise Victory

Floriana stunned Shamrock Rovers with a 2-0 win, marking a rare success for the Maltese club in European competition. Robert Muric opened the scoring just before halftime, and Mustapha Jah secured the victory with a second goal 11 minutes from the end. Shamrock Rovers, who had previously faced Maltese teams without defeat in three encounters, struggled to create chances, managing only two shots on target throughout the match. Their task was made more difficult when midfielder Matthew Healy received a red card after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession just before the hour mark.

Debutants and Early Goals

In other matches, the first goal of the season was scored by Nano of Lincoln Red Imps, who converted a penalty in the 16th minute and later assisted Manu Toledano, contributing to a 3-1 victory over Inter Club d'Escaldes from Andorra. Meanwhile, debutants Sabah Baku triumphed over The New Saints with a 2-0 win, despite finishing the match with ten players. Kauno Zalgiris, also making their debut, led against Drita of Kosovo for over 50 minutes but settled for a 1-1 draw after Blerim Krasniqi equalized late in the game. Atert Bissen, another debutant, faced defeat, losing 2-1 to KI.

Late Drama in Reykjavik

The final match of the day saw Vikingur Reykjavik secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Hungary's Gyor, thanks to a stoppage-time header from Nikolaj Hansen. Gyor, who recently ended Ferencvaros' seven-year reign as Hungarian champions, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.

As the first legs of the Champions League qualifying rounds conclude, teams will be eager to build on their performances in the return fixtures.