Bodo, Celtic efficient in front of goal
Of the 14 teams involved in this round, four of them have played in the Champions League during the league phase era. Two of those four - Bodo/Glimt and Celtic - have even gone as far as the knockout rounds during that time.
It is perhaps unsurprising that the pair were the big winners among the group. The Norwegian side were the story of last season's competition, going as far as the round of 16. In fact, over the last three seasons, including this one, few have played more continental matches than Bodo. Next week's decider at home will be their 40th European match since the league phase era began.
With that in mind, Glimt have had to learn how to win in different ways. That was evident on Wednesday in the Netherlands against NEC Nijmegen. Despite being heavily outshot and playing on the back foot, the Nordic team found a way through. Chances are if this match was played three or four years ago, the result would have been different.
Bodo did an incredible job at soaking up pressure in the UCL last term, which aided them in that run. If they are to enjoy a similar showing this term, they will have to be efficient in front of goal while also being disciplined defensively. Their first leg result has promising signs heading back to the arctic circle.
Celtic had the largest win in the Champions League this week, beating LASK 3-0 at Parkhead. The scoreline might confuse most though, as they were outshot 20-17.
When Celtic qualified for the league phase back in 2024/25, their home results helped them get to the knockout phase. Making the trip to Celtic Park is already daunting enough for many, something the Scottish champions have regularly used to their advantage.
LASK beat St. Johnstone at this stage of the Conference League five years ago, but this is a completely different kettle of fish. Finishing opportunities is pivotal in two-legged ties, and their inefficiency in front of goal may have already cost them the tie.
New names hold their own
Given the significance of making the UCL proper - namely the financial reward and increased exposure - it is perhaps unsurprising that the other five ties have next to nothing separating the sides.
All three of Tuesday's results ended level, while Lyon and Fenerbahce also drew their game on Wednesday. Hapoel Be'er Sheva won their match 2-1 against Sabah, but their tie is far from over.
But adding to the intrigue is the fact that six of the sides in this seaosn's play-off round have never made the group stage/league phase before. The aforementioned Be'er Sheva and Sabah tie will see the winner get to the UCL proper for the first time.
Celje drew 1-1 with Slovan Bratislava, which is quite impressive seeing the contrast in the team's European pedigree. Sure, the Slovenians may have gone farther in the UECL last term. But, Slovan have played nearly 60 more games in the UCL in comparison to their opponents, having also made the league phase in 2024/25. Taking in the gap in squad value, and this is a plausible outcome.
Viking won the Norwegian title for the first time in more than three decades in 2025. In comparison, their opponents Dinamo Zagreb have captured the Croatian league crown 24 times between Viking's most recent championships.
The contrast in experience on the continental scene is therefore quite glaring. So, when the Croats went up 2-0 in just 10 minutes, few would have expected De Morkebla to draw level.
Some believe that Viking now have the advantage in the second leg thanks in large part to the draw away from home. It will still be a tough ask, but surely there is reason to believe that the underdog can cause some more noise.
Serious pressure for long-time absentees
The two ties between former group phase participants both ended level, which should not be as big a shock.
Neither Levski Sofia nor AEK Athens could not break the other down in Bulgaria, while Fenerbahce and Lyon played to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul.
None of the quartet have played in the UCL proper within the last five years. Lyon's last appearance at any stage of the competition came in 2019/20, with AEK last getting past qualifying in 2018/19. As for Levski and Fenerbahce, they have not played group phase football in Europe's premier club tournament in more than 15 years.
When the draw came out and these were potential matches, the lengthy wait to get back to the big-time added further intrigue. The first legs showed this, with the two games being quite even.
In many respects, the two clubs that come out on top in these ties will have to show nerves of steel. All four are big names in their respective countries, having collected many domestic trophies. This is the chance to turn a new page and do something meaningful among Europe's elite.
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