For the first time in 20 years, no Ukrainian representatives will feature in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Kyiv’s Dynamo lost 0-2 (0-1 in the first leg) to Cyprus’ Pafos in the third qualifying round, ending their campaign in Europe’s most prestigious club competition for the 2025/26 season, Idman.biz reports.
The last time this happened was in the 2005/06 season, when no Ukrainian clubs managed to reach the Champions League group stage. Back then, Kyiv Dynamo lost to Switzerland’s Thun (2-2, 0-1), while Shakhtar Donetsk was defeated by Italy’s Inter (0-2, 1-1).
Currently only the Ukrainian league champion earns the right to play in the Champions League qualifying rounds. Last season’s third-placed team, Shakhtar, began their European campaign in the Europa League qualifying stage.
Idman.biz
