Champions League: Sabah reach group stage for first time; Bodø/Glimt confirm place
Azerbaijan's Sabah advanced after a 6–4 aggregate win over Hapoel Be'er Sheva; Bodø/Glimt sealed qualification with a 3–0 second-leg victory.
25 August 2026 — Azerbaijan's Sabah secured a historic first appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Hapoel Be'er Sheva 6–4 on aggregate in the play-off round. Sabah won the return leg at home 5–2 (1-1, 3-2) after extra time; the first leg had finished 2–1 in favour of Hapoel.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who had never previously reached the Champions League group stage, came within seconds of qualification on the night but Sabah forced extra time and completed the comeback in the additional periods.
Decisive moments in extra time
Mbina struck in the 100th minute to put Sabah ahead on aggregate, making the score 5:4 overall, and Mikels secured the victory with a goal in the 115th minute that set the final aggregate at 6:4.
Across Europe, there was far less drama in Norway: Bodø/Glimt again confirmed their place in the group stage with a convincing 3–0 win over NEC Nijmegen in the second leg, ensuring the Norwegian side will compete in the highest level of European club football this season.
Both results finalise the line-up for the Champions League group phase, with Sabah celebrating an unprecedented milestone for the Azerbaijani club and Bodø/Glimt continuing their recent run of continental participation.
Photo: press material from the event
