AFCON 2025
The UEFA Europa League third qualifying round reached its conclusion on Thursday night, with decisive second-leg fixtures played across Europe to determine the teams advancing to the play-off stage.
In the Champions Path, Lincoln Red Imps held Noah to a goalless draw in Armenia before prevailing 6–5 on penalties, while KuPS sealed a 3–1 aggregate victory over Rīgas FS thanks to a narrow home win.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv dispatched Hamrun Spartans 3–1 to complete a 5–2 aggregate triumph, Zrinjski Mostar overcame Breiðablik 2–1 to progress 3–2 on aggregate, and FCSB eased past Drita with a 3–1 victory that wrapped up a 6–3 overall scoreline.
In the Main Path, Midtjylland were comfortable 5–1 aggregate winners against Fredrikstad after a 2–0 second-leg success, while Braga progressed 4–1 overall with a controlled home win over CFR Cluj.
PAOK edged Wolfsberger 1–0 on aggregate in a tight contest, and Utrecht booked their place with a 5–2 aggregate defeat of Servette. Brann’s 1–0 second-leg win over Häcken secured a 2–1 overall result.
The tie between Shakhtar Donetsk and Panathinaikos remained goalless over both legs, with the Greeks advancing on penalties.
The results set up an intriguing play-off round scheduled for 21 and 28 August, with the likes of Lincoln Red Imps, KuPS, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Zrinjski Mostar, FCSB, Midtjylland, Braga, PAOK, Utrecht, and Brann all still in the hunt for a coveted place in the Europa League group stage.
