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Champions League playoff round begins with seven matches today

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 7:02 PM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Champions League playoff round begins with seven matches today

Summary

The Champions League playoff round kicks off today, August 18, with seven matches featuring clubs vying for the remaining spots in the 2026/27 league phase. The first legs include Levski Sofia vs. AEK Athens, Dinamo Zagreb vs. Viking, and Fenerbahçe vs. Lyon. Returning legs are scheduled for next week. This playoff round will determine which teams secure their places in the Champions League, with significant financial implications and opportunities for historic achievements. The final seven teams will join the 29 already qualified for the league phase following these matchups.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•First legs played on August 18 include Fenerbahçe vs. Lyon.
•Six teams seek first appearance in group stage.
•Return legs scheduled for next week.
•Twenty-nine clubs have already qualified for the league phase.
•Teams include historical clubs and first-time contenders.

Latest Updates

7:02 PMYahoo Sports — Champions League Playoff Round Kicks Off August 18

What they're saying

"
The Champions League field is almost set. Twenty-nine soccer clubs have already punched their tickets to the expanded 36-team league phase for 2026/27, which leaves just seven places up for grabs — and two-legged play-offs standing between a handful of hopeful clubs and a seat among Europe’s elite, the last stop before the league phase […] The post Champions League Playoff Round Kicks Off August 18 appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Paris Saint-Germain Champions League Soccer