Three draws to open the Champions League play-offs

Istanbul: open duel between Fenerbahçe and Lyon

Dinamo Zagreb hosted Viking Stavanger at the Maksimir Stadium and had to settle for a 2:2 draw. The Croats took an early lead, but the Norwegians hit back and equalised. The result means Zagreb must not only win in the second leg in Stavanger but also avoid conceding another goal to be certain of reaching the next round.

In the third match of the evening, Levski Sofia and AEK Athens finished goalless. The Bulgarians defended passionately in front of their home crowd, while the Greeks struggled to break down the compact defence. The 0:0 makes the situation ahead of the second leg in Athens particularly explosive: a single goal for the home side would leave Levski facing a difficult away task.

Stavanger, Athens and Sofia with away fixtures on the horizon

The situation ahead of the second legs is balanced in all three ties. Lyon, Zagreb and Athens all have the chance to progress to the next round with a win or a draw featuring an away goal. Conversely, Istanbul, Stavanger and Sofia must score at least once away from home to keep their hopes alive.

For the coming days, the focus will now be on how the coaches adjust their tactical approach for the return legs. Lyon, as Champions League veterans, boast extensive experience in knockout ties, while for Dinamo Zagreb and Levski Sofia the key is to maintain defensive stability while remaining dangerous going forward.

With Tuesday evening's three first-leg results, the picture in the play-off round is as tight as expected. Champions League qualifying is often decided only in the final game, and the teams that first clear their away hurdle will ultimately come out on top.

The European football week thus ends with no clear favourite across these three ties, but with plenty of tension ahead of the second legs. The group-stage draw is drawing closer, and each of these teams is fighting for that coveted place in the upcoming competition.