Champions League: Ibrox set for fireworks as Rangers vs Panathinaikos grabs second qualifying round headlines

European heavyweights enter the fray

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League reaches the second qualifying round today with the first leg matchups. While teams are one step closer to the ultimate goal of reaching the league stage, there is still a difficult path ahead. As a reminder, the Champions League qualifying campaign consists of three rounds, and an additional play-off round (making four qualifying rounds in total).

There are some easily recognisable names that will participate in this round, including a number that competed in last year’s league stage. Check out some of the heavy-hitters below:

More on the UEFA Champions League

Rangers vs Panathinaikos: Heavyweight showdown in second qualifying round

The tie of the round sees Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers taking on Super League Greece’s runners-up Panathinaikos. Rangers put together a strong run in the Europa League last year, making it all the way to the quarter-final before being eliminated by Athletic Club. They’ll be hoping to parlay that success into the new season and make a run to the league stage of Europe’s top-tier club competition. 

They’ve received a tough draw, however, as Panathinaikos will feel they can go toe-to-toe with their Scottish opponents over the course of the two legs. With a new manager at the helm in Russell Martin and a bevy of new signings, Rangers will have to settle into their new playstyle quickly as they can’t afford to head back to Athens with an aggregate deficit. Our experts think that this could be a back-and-forth game, with both teams potentially getting on the scoresheet. See the full analysis in our Rangers vs Panathinaikos prediction!

Qarabag vs Shelbourne: Irish fans looking to keep UCL dream alive

Shelbourne will look to keep the Republic of Ireland’s dream of having a team reach the group/league stage alive when they face Qarabag. The last Irish team to make a serious run in UCL qualifying was in 2016 when Dundalk finished just short, faltering at the final stage and losing to Legia Warsaw in the play-off.

Shelbourne will be hoping to draw on the spirit of the 2004 team which made it all the way to the play-off in their attempt to become the first Republic of Ireland team to make it to the Champions League proper. They’re considerable underdogs against an experienced Qarabag side that has good experience playing in Europe over the last few years - making the Europa League round of 16 in 2023-24 and competing in the UEL league stage last year. See what our experts think the outcome will be in our Shelbourne Dublin vs Qarabag FK prediction.

Lincoln Red Imps vs Red Star: Micro nation’s hopes clash with Serbian powerhouse

Gibraltar, home to just 40,000 people, will see their perennial league champions Lincoln Red Imps keep the spirit of the underdog nations alive when they clash with one of Europe’s most recognisable names in Red Star Belgrade. Lincoln Red Imps made it past Vikingur in the first round but they will face a significant jump in quality here.

Winners of the then European Cup in 1991, Red Star have an established pedigree in European football. They also happen to have one of the highest UEFA club coefficients of the round at 44.000, compared to Lincoln Red Imps 10.000. It showcases the mismatch at play at what the Gibraltan club is up against if they are to continue in their Champions League journey. Our experts think this one has the potential to be a high-scoring matchup! See the full breakdown in our Lincoln Red Imps vs Red Star Belgrade prediction.

Full second qualifying round fixture list

• KuPS vs Kairat - 22 July, 16:00 BST
• Noah vs Ferencvaros - 22 July, 17:00 BST
• Lincoln Red Imps vs Red Star Belgrade - 22 July, 17:00 BST
• FC Copenhagen vs Drita - 22 July, 18:00 BST
• Viktoria Plzen vs Servette -  22 July, 18:00 BST
• RFS vs Malmo -  22 July, 18:00 BST
• Pafos vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv - 22 July, 18:00 BST
• Hamrun vs Dynamo Kyiv - 22 July, 18:00 BST
• Shkendija vs FCSB - 22 July, 19:00 BST
• Slovan Bratislava vs Zrinjski Mostar - 22 July, 19:15 BST
• Lech Poznan vs Breidablik - 22 July, 19:30 BST
• Rijeka vs Ludogorets - 22 July, 19:45 BST
• Rangers vs Panathinaikos - 22 July, 19:45 BST
• Brann vs RB Salzburg - 23 July, 18:00 BST
• Shelbourne vs Qarabag FK - 23 July, 19:45 BST

See our football predictions