By Jones Phenomenal News | August 25, 2026
The UEFA Champions League qualification battle reaches another dramatic stage today as clubs across Europe fight for a place in the prestigious 2026/27 Champions League league phase.
Three ties are particularly interesting, with Celtic facing LASK, Bodø/Glimt taking on N.E.C. Nijmegen, and Sabah meeting Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the decisive second legs.
With everything at stake, the pressure will be enormous. For some clubs, tonight could be the difference between entering European football's biggest competition and dropping into the Europa League.
Celtic vs LASK: Scottish Giants Hold the Advantage
Celtic head into their second leg against LASK with a huge advantage after producing an impressive 3–0 victory in the first leg.
The Scottish champions were clinical in the opening match, scoring three times without conceding. UEFA's official records confirm Celtic's commanding first-leg victory over the Austrian side. (UEFA.com)
That result puts Celtic in a strong position heading into the return fixture.
However, football can be unpredictable, and LASK will know that they have nothing to lose. The Austrian side must produce a remarkable comeback if they are to overturn the three-goal deficit.
Celtic, meanwhile, will be expected to remain disciplined and avoid giving LASK any early encouragement.
The Scottish giants are now just one step away from securing their place in the Champions League league phase.
Bodø/Glimt vs N.E.C. Nijmegen: Norwegian Side in Control
Bodø/Glimt also travel into the second leg with an excellent advantage.
The Norwegian side produced one of the strongest performances of the first legs, defeating N.E.C. Nijmegen 3–1 away from home. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Goals from Hugo Vetlesen? No—UEFA's reported scorers were Patrick Berg's side's contributors including Fet, Helmersen and Aleesami, while N.E.C. managed one goal through Bischoff. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
With a two-goal cushion, Bodø/Glimt will believe they are close to another Champions League league-phase appearance.
N.E.C., however, will need to attack from the beginning. The Dutch club cannot afford to sit back because they require goals to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bodø/Glimt's recent European experience could prove important in such a high-pressure situation. UEFA itself described the Norwegian club as being on the verge of consecutive Champions League berths. (UEFA.com)
Sabah vs Hapoel Be’er Sheva: Everything Still to Play For
The most closely contested of these three ties could be Sabah vs Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva won the first leg 2–1, giving the Israeli club a narrow advantage going into the return match. (UEFA.com)
Unlike Celtic and Bodø/Glimt, Hapoel cannot afford to become complacent.
Sabah need only one goal to bring the tie level on aggregate, meaning the Azerbaijani side will have every reason to believe they can turn the contest around.
Hapoel, on the other hand, will be determined to protect their advantage and finish the job.
This tie could therefore become a tense battle, particularly if Sabah score early.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
For all six clubs, the objective is simple: reach the Champions League league phase.
UEFA has confirmed that the 2026/27 qualifying campaign will determine the final seven places in the league phase. (UEFA.com)
That makes these second legs extremely important.
Celtic have the biggest advantage among the three teams, while Bodø/Glimt are also in a strong position. Hapoel Be’er Sheva have the smallest lead and could face the most difficult test.
First-Leg Results
Celtic 3–0 LASK
N.E.C. Nijmegen 1–3 Bodø/Glimt
Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2–1 Sabah
The return fixtures will decide which clubs take the next step toward Europe's biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
Tonight promises another exciting chapter in the long road to the Champions League.
Celtic and Bodø/Glimt will be confident, having established strong first-leg leads, while Hapoel Be’er Sheva will know that their one-goal advantage is far from safe.
For LASK, N.E.C. Nijmegen and Sabah, the message is clear: they must fight until the final whistle.
One night. Three decisive ties. Six teams dreaming of Champions League football.
The road to Europe's biggest stage is reaching its climax.
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Source: UEFA Champions League (UEFA.com)