The first qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League concluded with thrilling late penalties, dramatic extra-time moments, and a VAR check that extended nearly five minutes. Fourteen clubs progressed to the next stage, while the second legs of the matches sparked significant discussions regarding officiating and video match officials.

Refereeing Decisions Under Scrutiny

While UEFA has not officially acknowledged any major refereeing mistakes, the matches held in Kuopio, Dublin, Pristina, and Győr highlighted how a single decision can dramatically alter the course of a European tie. This review delves into the pivotal incidents, the implementation of VAR, and the officiating performances that drew the most attention.

Second Leg Results Overview

The return matches took place on July 14 and 15, featuring several remarkable comebacks and decisive moments. KuPS managed to withstand a remarkable resurgence from Vardar, while Shamrock Rovers overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg. Kauno Žalgiris also secured their progression with a stoppage-time penalty against Drita.

Second leg	Aggregate result
KuPS 2-3 Vardar after extra time	KuPS won 4-3
Iberia Tbilisi 2-2 Flora Tallinn	Iberia won 5-4
Inter Escaldes 1-1 Lincoln Red Imps	Lincoln won 4-2
Riga 3-2 Ararat-Armenia	Ararat-Armenia won 4-3
Győri ETO 2-2 Víkingur Reykjavík	Víkingur won 3-2
The New Saints 1-2 Sabah	Sabah won 4-1
Levski Sofia 4-0 Borac	Levski won 5-1
Drita 2-3 Kauno Žalgiris	Kauno Žalgiris won 4-3
Shamrock Rovers 5-1 Floriana	Shamrock Rovers won 5-3
Larne 2-1 Tre Fiori	Larne won 3-1
Universitatea Craiova 1-0 Vitebsk	Craiova won 5-1
Atert Bissen 1-2 Klaksvík	Klaksvík won 4-2
Egnatia 6-1 Petrocub	Egnatia won 7-2
Sutjeska 0-2 Kairat Almaty	Kairat won 4-1

The complete results and upcoming fixtures for the next round can be found in UEFA’s official Champions League qualifying guide.

KuPS vs Vardar: A Test for the Officials

The most challenging officiating assignment of this round fell to Scottish referee Matthew MacDermid during the KuPS versus Vardar match. After KuPS won the first leg 2-0, Vardar leveled the aggregate score with a penalty converted by Goran Zakarić in the 90th minute, forcing extra time.

Reports indicate that Gerson Rodrigues was brought down in the KuPS penalty area in the 87th minute, with the penalty decision being made several minutes later. This lengthy delay contributed to ten minutes of additional time and increased the pressure on MacDermid and VAR Kevin Clancy. While the timing of the penalty does not render it incorrect, the extended decision-making process left spectators seeking clarity on whether the referee was awaiting VAR confirmation or addressing another incident.

In extra time, another penalty was awarded after KuPS scored in the 100th minute, further emphasizing the dramatic nature of the match.