The first legs of the UEFA Champions League qualifying playoffs concluded this Wednesday, delivering a series of decisive and, for some, devastating results that have dramatically reshaped the landscape for the return fixtures. As reported by our news desk, several favorites now face steep uphill battles to secure their places in the group stage.
Perhaps the most staggering outcome unfolded in Azerbaijan, where Newcastle United delivered a masterclass performance against Qarabağ. The English side secured an emphatic 6-1 victory away from home. Anthony Gordon emerged as the standout performer, netting an impressive four goals, while teammates Malik Thiaw and Jacob Murphy contributed one each. The solitary consolation for the hosts was scored by Elvin Džafargulijev.
Setbacks for Italian and Spanish Giants
In a significant upset, Inter Milan suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadium. The Norwegian champions took an early lead through Sondre Sørli, only for Francesco Pio Esposito to temporarily restore parity for the Italian giants. However, Jens Petter Hauge sealed the victory for Bodø/Glimt with a decisive brace, leaving Inter with a formidable challenge in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid experienced a night of frustration in Belgium. Playing at Club Brugge’s Jan Breydel Stadium, the Spanish outfit let a two-goal lead slip to settle for a 3-3 draw. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring from the penalty spot, with Ademola Lookman quickly adding a second. Responding to intense pressure from the hosts, Raphael Onyedika and Nicolò Tresoldi pulled Club Brugge level. Although Jöel Ordóñez then put Atlético back in front, Christos Tzolis had the final say, netting a late equalizer to share the spoils.
Completing the night’s narrative of away dominance, Olympiacos failed to capitalize on home advantage at the Karaiskakis Stadium. The Greek champions fell to a 2-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side’s victory secured by a clinical brace from striker Patrik Schick.