European Cup: Spotlight on the unusual fixtures of the first qualifying round

A month and a half after the Champions League final marked the end of the 2024–2025 European club season, it’s back again. The early days of July bring the return of exotic football.

While most clubs are preparing for the upcoming season and others have just wrapped up the Club World Cup—won by Chelsea against PSG—some teams are already beginning their uphill battle.

With one clear goal: to reach the group stages of the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. While Belgian clubs like Anderlecht and Charleroi will enter next week in the second qualifying round of the UEL and UECL respectively, teams from other countries are already on alert.

This first round is an invitation to travel and explore exotic destinations. Here's a rundown of the return legs so you have all the insights you need to place your bets on Golden Vegas Sport.

Noah and Drita: the first surprises of the UCL

If you were a geography whiz in the “map placement” exercises, you’ll enjoy hearing about this week’s participating teams. This Tuesday, the first qualifying round of the Champions League delivered its main verdict.

With some remarkable feats. While the name Noah might remind you of Roland-Garros and Yannick, it’s also the name of an Armenian team. They brilliantly advanced to the next round by overcoming Budućnost Podgorica (1–0, 2–2).

Kosovo was also well represented thanks to FC Drita, who upset the odds by defeating the Luxembourgers of Differdange with two wins (1–0, 2–3). But the most incredible achievement came from Lincoln.

Linfield amateurs playing like pros

The champions of Gibraltar also recorded back-to-back victories over Iceland’s Vikingur Gøta. Let’s not forget that these players are amateurs, all with day jobs, and they’ll now face the legendary Red Star Belgrade in the next round.

This Wednesday, Linfield will try to join the others. To do so, they’ll need to overturn the one-goal deficit from the first leg against Shelbourne. Will they succeed?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: July 16 at 8:45 PM.

Who will Anderlecht face?

Although they’re not playing this week, Belgian fans will keep a close eye on their screens. While Charleroi already knows their opponent—they’ll be up against the tough Swedish side Hammarby—Anderlecht still has to wait.

UEFA’s draw has paired them with the winner of BK Häcken (Sweden) vs Spartak Trnava (Slovakia). In the first leg, Häcken claimed a narrow away win (0–1).

In any case, the Mauves are seen as favourites, even though they’ll play the return leg away. The Brussels side is gearing up for this first major test. A far cry from his hesitant debut at Club Brugge on RSCA’s bench last April, Besnik Hasi has made his decision: Ashimeru, Flips and Foket are dropped to the B squad.

“Everyone has done their part, but decisions must be made. We’re observing who is working hard and who will stay. I want to keep players who have our mentality. There won’t be room for everyone. We’ll make decisions in the coming weeks. We can’t yet define the final squad size because more transfers may happen before September 6. But if we remain numerous, I expect top mentality from all. I will be strict about that,” he said.

For now, the question remains: will it be Häcken or Spartak Trnava facing them in seven days?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: July 16 at 8:45 PM.

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