Big names beckon in qualifying

The complete line up for the next stage of the UEFA Champions League will become clear tonight as the eight remaining first qualifying round ties are played to a conclusion.

Hafnarfjördur in control
Six teams advanced last night, including clubs from Kazakhstan and Montenegro for the first time, and are likely to be joined by Icelandic challengers FH Hafnarfjördur as they take a 4-1 lead to HB Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. Having won their first legs away from home, FC Levadia Tallinn (1-0 at FK Pobeda), Tampere United (2-1 at S.S. Murata) and MŠK Žilina (2-1 at F91 Dudelange) are also handily placed, while the tie between IF Elfsborg and Linfield FC and FC Pyunik's match against Derry City FC resume at 0-0.

Past masters
Like Hafnarfjördur, The New Saints FC and NK Domžale won at home last week, but they have plenty of work to do as they look to defend 3-2 and 2-1 leads respectively at FK Ventspils and KF Tirana. Fourteen clubs join the competition in the second qualifying round including four participants from last season's group stage - FC Steaua Bucuresti, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, PFC Levski Sofia and FC København. Steaua, and FK Crvena Zvezda are the only former European champions involved.