Conference League Results: Dramatic Third-Round Deciders Spark Wild Celebrations And Play-Off Matchups
The third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League concluded in dramatic fashion on August 13, 2026, locking in the final matchups for the highly anticipated play-off round. Underdogs staged historic comebacks, while established European regulars narrowly avoided early exits in a night of high-stakes football. As the dust settles, clubs are now just 180 minutes away from securing a lucrative spot in the newly formatted league phase.
| Matchup (Aggregate) | First Leg | Second Leg | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitoria de Guimaraes 4–2 FC Zurich | 2–1 | 2–1 | Vitoria de Guimaraes |
| SK Brann 3–1 St Mirren | 1–1 | 2–0 | SK Brann |
| Djurgarden 4–3 Ilves | 1–1 | 3–2 | Djurgarden |
| Gent 5–2 Silkeborg | 2–2 | 3–0 | Gent |
| AEK Athens 2–3 Noah | 1–3 | 1–0 | FC Noah |
Underdogs Defy the Odds in Tension-Filled Second Legs
The headline story of the third qualifying round belongs to Armenia's FC Noah, who successfully defended their stunning first-leg advantage against Greek giants AEK Athens. Despite a fierce onslaught in Athens, the Armenian side held their nerve, conceding only once to progress 3-2 on aggregate. This historic result underscores the unpredictable nature of Europe's third-tier competition, where narrative-defying upsets have become the norm.
Meanwhile, Scandinavian powerhouse SK Brann capitalized on their home turf advantage in Bergen to dispatch Scotland's St Mirren. After a hard-fought draw in the first leg, the Norwegian side showcased clinical finishing to secure a 2-0 victory, setting up a thrilling play-off tie. Belgium's Gent also flexed their European pedigree with a dominant 3-0 home win to comfortably put away Silkeborg.
Play-Off Draw and How to Watch the Decisive Action
The aggregate winners from last night's action now progress to the final hurdle: the UEFA Conference League Play-Off Round, scheduled for later this month. Football fans can catch all the live drama through official broadcast partners across the continent.
Key broadcast and streaming details for the upcoming matches:
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports and discovery+ hold exclusive live-streaming rights for all UK clubs.
- United States: Paramount+ will stream select matches live, alongside CBS Sports Network coverage.
- Rest of Europe: Local national broadcasters and the UEFA.tv platform will provide regional coverage.
Tickets for these high-stakes play-off matches are selling out rapidly. Supporters are advised to purchase tickets exclusively through official club portals to avoid counterfeit vendors.
Conference League, results and round of 16 fixtures: Rayo and ...
The Road to the 2026/27 League Phase
The stakes have never been higher as UEFA's single-league format enters its second season. The 24 winners of the play-off round will join the losers of the Europa League play-offs to form a single 36-team table. This ensures more high-profile matchups and greater financial windfalls for progressing clubs.
Key upcoming dates for your diary:
- August 20, 2026: Play-off Round First Leg matches.
- August 27, 2026: Play-off Round Second Leg matches (final tournament spots confirmed).
- August 28, 2026: Official draw for the UEFA Conference League Phase in Monaco.
As the continental elite prepare to lock horns, smaller clubs continue to dream of a deep run mimicking previous Cinderella stories. The journey to the final in May 2027 begins in earnest next week.
