European Cup Qualification: First Round in Yerevan, Second Round for the Imps!

As UEFA gears up to unveil the matchups for the group stages of its three European competitions on August 27 and 28, many clubs have already experienced the whirlwind of international competition. This year, numerous teams are vying to make their mark in European football history through the qualification rounds for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Here, we spotlight some clubs and their stories that may not be familiar to every German football fan. Pack your bags; the first international away day of the season is upon us!

Žalgiris Kaunas: "Some Dog" Prevents Historic Home Match

Even nations where football isn't the primary sport participate in UEFA qualification rounds. In Lithuania, basketball reigns supreme, with Žalgiris Kaunas being the most successful club. However, the football side of the reigning champions is also making strides, having clinched their first championship last year. This season, fans and officials quickly learned that planning is crucial. Following a victory against KF Drita from Kosovo, they advanced to the second round of Champions League qualification, where they faced KI Klaksvík from the Faroe Islands. The twist? An American rapper's concert, specifically Pitbull's on July 31, forced a venue change for the crucial home match just two days prior. Lithuanian coach Željko Sopić expressed his frustration, attributing the stadium switch to "a concert by some dog." Perhaps the change of venue played a role in Žalgiris keeping their European hopes alive with a last-minute winner, allowing them to face Dinamo Zagreb next. This time, they will play at home, as the association confirmed that Pitbull is only scheduled for one concert in Kaunas this year. The familiar atmosphere might just help them overcome a five-goal deficit from the first leg.

FC Noah and FC Ararat-Armenia Yerevan: Will They Face Bayern Again?

A question for Radio Yerevan: Can the Class of '17 reach a group stage this year? In theory, yes, unless their opponents score more goals. Yerevan, often dubbed the footballing London of the Caucasus, boasts a vibrant football scene with many top-flight teams hailing from the capital. Among them, two are still in UEFA qualification: FC Ararat Yerevan, historically the most successful Armenian club, famously defeated Bayern Munich in the 1974/75 European Cup. While Bayern won the first leg of their quarterfinal tie, the 1-0 result in the return match was merely a consolation for the Germans. Today, although FC Ararat still competes in the top league, other clubs have taken the spotlight. The relatively new FC Noah, established in 2017, has already participated in two group stages of the Conference League and is set to face FC Sion in the qualification round. Meanwhile, FC Ararat-Armenia Yerevan, also founded in 2017, won the Armenian championship two years after its inception. A victory against Celje could secure them a spot in the Champions League playoffs, marking their first appearance in a group stage.

FC Iberia: A Subtropical Away Trip?

For those dreaming of a peninsula getaway while traveling to Iberia, a geographical miscalculation is at play. Instead of Spain or Portugal, the journey leads to Tbilisi, Georgia, where FC Iberia has aspirations to become the first Georgian club since Dinamo Tbilisi to qualify for a European competition. To achieve this, they must overcome Larne FC from Northern Ireland, and after a goalless draw in the first leg, their chances look promising. The name Iberia comes from a holding group that acquired and rebranded FC Saburtalo Tbilisi in 2005, propelling them to the forefront of Georgian football over the years. The club's president, Tariel Khechikashvili, previously served as Georgia's Minister of Sport, and his political connections have played a role in the club's rise, which was once a regular in the second division. Interestingly, since 2022, Iberia has partnered with FC Valencia to enhance their youth academy, hoping to tap into Georgian talent. However, no player has yet made the phonetic leap from Iberia to Iberia.

Lincoln Red Imps FC: Hurrah, Hurrah, the Imps Are Here!

October 24, 2025, will be a date etched in the memories of Gibraltar football fans. On that Thursday evening, reigning Polish champions Lech Poznań visited Gibraltar in the Conference League. With the score tied at 1-1, a stunning header from Christian Rutjens in the 88th minute propelled Lincoln Red Imps FC into the lead, marking a historic moment as they became the first club from Gibraltar to earn a point in a European competition. This was just the beginning, as the Red Imps celebrated a draw and another home victory during the last Conference League season. The club, which originally played under the name Newcastle United FC, is determined to replicate their success this year. The team's name pays homage to the "Imps" of Lincoln City, with the Lincoln Imp being the city's most famous mythical creature. Following the club's founding in 1976, a former Lincoln City official provided equipment, and in return, the club had to adopt a name referencing Lincoln City. The Red Imps may even extend their European journey into the Europa League, provided they can secure a victory against Nicosia.

Turku: Inter International

Fans of the 11FREUNDE breakfast theme may have caught wind of the latest sensation in European football: Finnish top-tier club FC Inter Turku recently eliminated FK Istanbul Başakşehir from the Conference League qualification. For the first time in European football history, a Finnish team triumphed over a Turkish club. The team, featuring Hamburg promotion hero Davie Selke, triumphed 2-0 in southern Finland. Following the match, all eyes were on the prominent coach from Istanbul, Nuri Şahin, who took full responsibility for the embarrassing exit. Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Inter Turku is jubilant, with a cup final, a championship race, and European success marking a golden summer. The club is hopeful for a spot in the European lower tier, and in the next round, they will face FC Vaduz. They aim to carry the momentum from their second qualification round success and perhaps sell out their stadium for the first time in club history. Support from the breakfast theme community would surely be welcomed.