Champions League playoffs: Draws in Istanbul, Zagreb, and Sofia

The Champions League playoff first legs concluded Tuesday with draws across Istanbul, Zagreb, and Sofia, leaving all participating teams uncertain about advancing and securing lucrative Champions League spots. In Istanbul, Fenerbahce and Olympique Lyon played to a 1-1 tie. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb squandered a two-goal lead against Viking Stavanger, ultimately drawing 2-2. The match between Levski Sofia and AEK Athens finished goalless, a 0-0 result. These outcomes mean that none of the teams can currently count on the significant financial rewards associated with qualifying for the Champions League. Ex-Rapid player Dion Beljo made an impact early for Dinamo Zagreb, scoring the opening goal in the sixth minute and assisting the second goal in the tenth minute. However, the Norwegian visitors managed to equalize before halftime. The debut for Felix Bacher in a competitive match for Lyon was postponed, as the €4.3 million signing from Estoril watched the game from the bench.