The playoff participants for the 2026/27 Champions League have been finalized following the conclusion of the third qualifying round. Seven two-legged ties will determine the final teams to secure their spots in the league phase, with the first legs scheduled for August 18 and 19, and the return matches on August 25 and 26.

Final Playoff Matches Set

With the playoff lineup now complete, seven clubs will compete for the remaining league-phase places. The winners of these ties will join the 29 teams that have already qualified automatically. The draw features a mix of well-known European clubs and those that have fought hard through earlier rounds. Notable matchups include Fenerbahçe facing Lyon, Celtic taking on LASK, and Dinamo Zagreb going up against Viking.

Playoff tie	First leg	Second leg
Levski Sofia – AEK Athens	August 18	August 26
Dinamo Zagreb – Viking	August 18	August 26
Fenerbahçe – Lyon	August 18	August 26
Celtic – LASK	August 19	August 25
Slovan Bratislava – Celje	August 19	August 26
Hapoel Beer Sheva – Sabah	August 19	August 25
NEC Nijmegen – Bodø/Glimt	August 19	August 25

Adapting to New Challenges

As teams prepare for these crucial matches, many arrive with heightened confidence after navigating tense third-round encounters. Fenerbahçe, for instance, advanced past Sturm Graz and now faces Lyon, while other clubs must quickly shift focus from their previous opponents. This rapid transition will test the adaptability of each squad, as strategies that worked in earlier rounds may need to be adjusted significantly.

The playoff round emphasizes the importance of flexibility; teams that excelled in one match may need to adopt a different approach in the next. The ability to switch tactics will be crucial, as the nature of each tie can vary greatly.

First Legs and Tactical Considerations

The first legs of these ties may see teams adopting a more cautious approach, particularly the away sides, who might prioritize securing a solid result over chasing victory. A narrow win at home could complicate tactics for the return leg, adding layers of strategy to the matches. This two-leg format also influences betting markets, as the odds may not fully capture the strategic nuances at play.

In the Fenerbahçe-Lyon clash, both teams possess strong attacking capabilities, but the outcome of the first leg will largely depend on the level of risk each coach is willing to take. Similarly, the matchups between Celtic and LASK, as well as NEC Nijmegen and Bodø/Glimt, will showcase contrasting styles, making pre-match line-ups and tactical intentions vital for fans and bettors alike.

As the playoff stage approaches, teams are just two matches away from achieving their Champions League dreams, with the league-phase draw set for August 27.