Champions League qualifiers threaten historic clubs

The third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League took place in early August, leaving several former European powerhouses at risk of missing the group stage. Olympique Lyon must overturn a 2–1 first‑leg loss to Sparta Prague to stay in contention. Olympiacos secured a draw, while a 3–3 thriller saw Bodo/Glimt hold their own at Union Saint‑Gilloise. Dinamo Zagreb recorded a 5–0 victory over Kauno Žalgiris, and Fenerbahçe won 2–0 with a new signing, Mason Greenwood, arriving from Marseille for €39 million.

These results highlight the unpredictability of the preliminary stage, as clubs with recent continental pedigree now face the possibility of elimination before the main tournament begins.