As the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds heat up, the fixtures from 19 to 26 August 2025 promise to deliver excitement and drama for fans and punters alike.
On Tuesday, 19 August, Ferencvárosi hosts Qarabağ, with both clubs keen to establish an early advantage in the two-legged tie. The Hungarian champions will look to leverage home support, while Qarabağ aims to secure a vital away goal. Simultaneously, Crvena Zvezda faces Paphos, with the Serbian giants expected to dominate, given their rich European pedigree. Rangers will also be in action against Club Brugge, where the Scottish club hopes to harness Ibrox’s electric atmosphere to overcome the Belgian side, who are no strangers to European competition.
The following day, Bodø/Glimt entertains Sturm Graz, while Basel welcomes FC København. Both matches could see tight contests, with Basel needing to assert their home advantage and Bodø/Glimt looking to showcase their attacking flair. Celtic will take on Kairat, with the Scottish champions heavily favoured to progress given their recent form in European competitions. Fenerbahçe’s clash with Benfica is particularly intriguing; both teams are known for their tactical acumen and attacking prowess, making it a must-watch.
Looking ahead to the second leg on 26 August, Kairat hosts Celtic, while Sturm Graz welcomes Bodø/Glimt. The results from the first legs will heavily influence these fixtures, particularly as teams seek to overturn deficits or protect leads. Paphos’s home match against Crvena Zvezda rounds off the week, and it could be a crucial evening for the Cypriots if they hope to keep their European hopes alive.
For betting angles, keep an eye on the home sides in the early fixtures, especially Crvena Zvezda and Celtic, who are likely to attract significant wager interest based on their historical records in European competitions.