Champions League first qualifying round 2026/2027: results 8
Four matches opened the first qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League. With victories for Kairat, Iberia 1999 and Universitatea and a draw in Moldova, everything is still open for the returns next week.
Champions League, first qualifying round 2026/2027: results 8
According to Championat.
Background
Kairat, representing Kazakhstan, has made a strong start in Champions League qualifying. Their victory over Sutjeska is an important step towards the next round, but the competition is far from decided. The club hopes to qualify for the second round and thus get closer to the group stage of the Champions League.
Why this matters
The first qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League is crucial for the teams competing for a place in the next phase. Kairat's victory over Sutjeska gives them a small lead, but the outcome of the return match remains uncertain. These types of matches can determine the season expectations of clubs hoping for Champions League football.
Key points
- Champions League, first qualifying round 2026/2027: results 8.
- Four matches opened the first qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League.
- Кайрат feature in the latest Champions League developments.
The 2026/2027 Champions League has kicked off with the first series of first legs in the first qualifying round. On Wednesday, July 8, four matches were scheduled in which the champions and high-ranked teams from lower-ranked associations started their European campaign. These are the results of the day:
- Kairat (Kazakhstan) – Sutjeska (Montenegro) 2-1
- Flora (Estonia) – Iberia 1999 (Georgia) 2-3
- Petrocub (Moldova) – Egnatia (Albania) 1-1
- ML Vitebsk (Belarus) – Universitatea (Romania) 1-4
In Almaty, Kairat took a first step towards the next round by beating Sutjeska 2-1. The margin is small, so the Montenegrins still have every chance at home. In Tallinn, Iberia 1999 had a strong European start with an away win over Flora: 2-3. Thanks to three hits on foreign soil, the champion from Georgia takes a lead to his own audience.
In Chisinau, Petrocub did not get further than 1-1 against Egnatia. The balance is therefore completely in balance and the decision falls in Albania. The most convincing score came in Belarus, where Universitatea was too strong for ML Vitebsk with 1-4. The Romanians thus provide themselves with an excellent starting position for the return.
These duels were the first matches in their diptychs; the returns are scheduled for next week. The winners over two matches qualify for the second qualifying round. For the losers there is usually a follow-up in a European context, depending on the tournament structure and entry points in the other tournaments. Please note: for several seasons now, there has been no away goals rule in European club tournaments; If there is a tie after two games, extra time will follow and possibly penalty kicks.
The first qualifying round traditionally marks the official kick-off of the new European season, with clubs from all over Europe competing for oneplace in the later qualifying rounds and ultimately in the competition phase of the main tournament. For the champions from the lower-ranked countries, this is the Champions Path, in which each round is crucial for both sporting ambition and the financial bonus that comes with progress.
The title holder in the million-dollar ball is Paris Saint-Germain, which won the cup with the big ears last season. The French champion will only join later, but the road to that podium has now officially begun for the participants in the first qualifying round. Next week we will know which four teams will clear the first hurdle and extend their European summer.
What's happening now
The return matches are scheduled for next week, where the teams must maximize their chances of a place in the second qualifying round. Sutjeska has the opportunity to make up for the deficit on home soil, while Iberia 1999 wants to maintain its strong position against Flora. The outcomes of these matches will significantly influence the season prospects of the clubs involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Kairat vs. Sutjeska match?
Kairat won the match against Sutjeska 2-1.
How does the result affect Sutjeska's chances in the return match?
Sutjeska still has every chance to advance, as the margin is small with a score of 2-1.
What are the results of the other matches on July 8?
Flora lost to Iberia 1999 2-3, Petrocub played 1-1 against Egnatia, and Universitatea won 1-4 against ML Vitebsk.
When are the return matches scheduled?
The return matches are scheduled for next week.
What is the impact of these matches on the Champions League standings?
The winners of these matches qualify for the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
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