Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League play-off round will decide the final seven places in the group stage. Fourteen teams are involved: ten from the Champions Path and four from the League Path. Winners move on to the Champions League league phase, while the defeated sides enter the UEFA Europa League group stage.
One notable tie features Celtic against LASK. Celtic, who achieved a domestic league and cup double after Martin O'Neill's appointment in January, have struggled in Champions League qualifying recently, failing to advance in their last five attempts. LASK, the Austrian champions seeking their first group stage appearance, include summer signing Miguel Freckleton, who played a role in defeating Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final.
The Dutch side N.E.C. face Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt. N.E.C. surprised Olympiacos in the previous round and are aiming for their first Champions League group stage. Bodø/Glimt have impressed recently with wins against top European teams like Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid, and advanced last round with an extra-time goal against Union SG.
Another highlighted match is Slovan Bratislava versus Celje. Celje’s Benjamin Verbič, who recently returned to the club, noted the team’s improved competitiveness in Europe. Having qualified for the play-offs, Celje are at least guaranteed a Europa League spot but face a challenging tie against Slovan Bratislava, who previously defeated them 6-1 on aggregate.