The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League is set to commence with the first qualifying round starting on Tuesday, just 38 days after Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Arsenal in the previous season's final. While the tournament will soon feature some of the biggest names in football, several lesser-known clubs from across Europe are preparing to make their mark.

Atert Bissen's Remarkable Ascent

Atert Bissen, a club that recently emerged from Luxembourg's third division, has experienced a meteoric rise, achieving back-to-back promotions and clinching their first national championship last season. Their title was secured with a narrow victory over Differdange on the final matchday, making them only the second European club to ascend from the third tier to national champions within three seasons, following in the footsteps of Bulgaria's Ludogorets.

This impressive turnaround can be largely credited to Carlos Teixeira, a former footballer who transitioned into a construction entrepreneur. Teixeira not only built the stadium complex in Bissen but was also convinced by the local mayor to assume the club presidency. His strategic decision to replace his brother, Pedro, as head coach last summer and his ability to offer players employment opportunities have been pivotal in attracting talent in Luxembourg's semi-professional league.

Borac Banja Luka's Pride and Success

Borac Banja Luka, the reigning champions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, represent the Republika Srpska, a Serb-majority region in the northern part of the country. Their recent success has become a source of pride for local fans in a nation often divided along ethnic lines, where football matches can carry significant political implications and occasionally lead to unrest.

Having won the Bosnian Premier League twice in the last three seasons, Borac Banja Luka has also made history on the European stage. They became the first club from Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance to the knockout phase of a European competition, achieving this milestone in the UEFA Conference League by defeating Slovenia's Olimpija Ljubljana in the knockout-round playoffs.

As the new Champions League season approaches, clubs like Atert Bissen and Borac Banja Luka are eager to showcase their journeys and compete against Europe's elite, adding depth and intrigue to the tournament.