UCL welcomes four debutants as Pafos, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG, Kairat qualify

The UEFA Champions League will feature four debutants in its league phase this season after a dramatic round of qualifying play-offs produced historic outcomes for clubs across Europe.

Cypriot side Pafos FC and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt secured their first-ever entries into Europe’s elite competition, while Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise and Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty also booked their places, completing a quartet of newcomers.

Founded just 11 years ago, Pafos FC achieved a remarkable breakthrough by eliminating former European champions Red Star Belgrade. After playing out a 1-1 draw in the return leg, the Cypriot side advanced with a 3-2 aggregate victory, sealing their maiden Champions League campaign.

Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt also etched their name into history with a convincing 6-2 aggregate triumph over Sturm Graz of Austria. Despite losing the second leg 2-1, their dominant first-leg performance was enough to carry them through comfortably.

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Belgian giants Union Saint-Gilloise, enjoying a resurgence on the continental stage, overcame stiff competition in their play-off to reach the group stage for the first time, marking a major milestone in their history.

Meanwhile, Kairat Almaty stunned Scottish champions Celtic with a penalty shootout victory after their play-off tie ended level on aggregate.

Their qualification makes them only the second club from Kazakhstan ever to appear in the Champions League proper, following Astana’s breakthrough in 2015.

The inclusion of the four debutants is expected to inject fresh energy and unpredictability into the Champions League, whose league-phase draw will be conducted on Thursday.