Ararat-Armenia and Celje advance to Champions League play‑offs

Ararat-Armenia secured a place in the play‑off round of the UEFA Champions League after a 3‑2 aggregate victory over Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers. They had won the first leg 2‑0 in Armenia; despite a 2‑1 loss in the second leg, a goal by Sandro Lima in the 73rd minute gave them the aggregate edge. The team is coached by Manuel Tulipa and featured Portuguese players Bruno Wilson and Hugo Oliveira.

Celje also progressed, winning their tie against Albanian side Egnatia via a penalty shootout after the two legs finished 1‑1 and 2‑2. The Slovenian side, guided by Portuguese manager Vítor Campelos, converted all four penalties while Egnatia missed two, securing a play‑off spot. Both clubs now move on to the next round of the competition.