Overview

• Kairat Almaty knocked out Celtic on penalties after two 0-0 legs as 21-year-old reserve Temirlan Anarbekov saved three spot kicks.
• Bodø/Glimt advanced past Sturm Graz after a 5-0 first leg and enters as the most northerly club to reach this stage.
• Pafos clinched a first-ever berth with Jaja’s late equalizer against Red Star Belgrade in the playoff return leg.
• The expanded map heightens logistical demands, with trips such as Milan to Almaty measuring about 6,735 kilometers and taking over nine hours by air.
• This season adopts a single-league format with each team playing eight opponents, and the Aug. 28 draw will set the matchups.