The UEFA Champions League play-offs for the 2026-27 season saw Fenerbahce and Lyon battle to a 1-1 draw, while Viking Stavanger made a notable comeback against Dinamo Zagreb. This marks an exciting start to the knockout stage of Europe's premier club competition.

Fenerbahce and Lyon Share the Spoils

In Istanbul, Lois Openda opened the scoring for Lyon with a header, marking his first goal for the French side. However, Fenerbahce responded well in the second half, with Mason Greenwood finding the net to equalize. The match concluded with both teams level, setting the stage for an intriguing second leg.

Viking Stavanger's Remarkable Rally

Norwegian club Viking Stavanger, participating in the Champions League for the first time in 34 years, managed to draw 2-2 against Dinamo Zagreb. After falling behind early to goals from Dion Beljo and Mateo Lisica within the first ten minutes, Viking fought back with strikes from Peter Christiansen and Zlatko Tripic, leveling the match by halftime.

In another fixture, Levski Sofia and AEK Athens played to a goalless draw in Bulgaria. The competition continues as Scottish champions Celtic prepare to host Austrian club LASK in their first leg on Wednesday. The second legs of these play-off matches are scheduled for August 25-26.