Historic Achievement for Dambrauskas and Sabah: Champions League Qualification Secured

Valdo Dambrauskas has achieved a historic milestone, guiding his team Sabah to qualification for the main UEFA Champions League tournament. In a dramatic second-leg match, Sabah defeated Beer Sheva's Hapoel 5:2, securing a 6:4 aggregate victory and earning a spot in Europe's most prestigious club football competition for the first time in the club's history.

This achievement marks a significant moment not only for Sabah but also for Lithuanian football. The 49-year-old Dambrauskas becomes the first Lithuanian coach whose team will compete in the UEFA Champions League. The club's entry into the tournament comes with substantial financial rewards.

Clubs qualifying for the Champions League secure a "starting payment" of 18.62 million Euros. A total of 36 clubs will share 670 million Euros in prize money. Additionally, 914 million Euros are allocated for performance in the tournament, and another 853 million Euros are designated for their commercial value, as part of the "Value pillar" introduced from the 2024/25 season.

The Champions League tournament is scheduled to commence on September 8, featuring 36 participating teams. This historic qualification promises significant exposure and financial benefits for both the club and its pioneering Lithuanian coach.