Champions League play-off draw: Red Star Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb hold realistic paths to group stage
After the 03.08.2026 draw, both Red Star Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb landed paths many consider attainable toward the Champions League group stage.
The Champions League play-off draw on 03.08.2026 confirmed favourable routes for two prominent clubs from the former Yugoslav space: Red Star Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb both emerged with realistic chances to reach the group stage.
Red Star were paired in the third qualifying round with Hapoel Be'er Sheva of Israel; should they eliminate that opponent, their play-off hurdle will be the winner of the tie between Aarhus (Denmark) and Sabah (Azerbaijan).
Play-off pairings
- Hapoel/Red Star – Aarhus/Sabah
- Levski/Kairat – AEK
- Celtic – LASK
- Dinamo Zagreb/Zalgiris – Viking
- Mjallby/Slovan – Ararat/Celje
- Fenerbahce/Sturm – Sparta Prague/Lyon
- Olympiacos/NEC – Saint-Gilloise/Bodo/Glimt
Dinamo Zagreb's path also looks achievable: if they overcome Zalgiris in the third qualifying round, their final obstacle to the group stage will be Viking. That sequence gives both Zagreb and Belgrade a clear, single-elimination route that many observers consider reachable for clubs of their stature.
The draw was held on 03.08.2026; clubs now turn their attention to the immediate preparation for the third qualifying round matches and potential play-off ties that will decide entry to the Champions League's main phase.
Photo: FK Crvena zvezda (X)
