All Armenian Clubs Advance in European Competitions

YEREVAN — All Armenian clubs competing in European tournaments have advanced to the next round.

In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, reigning Armenian champions Ararat-Armenia suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Riga at Skonto Stadium.

The Armenian club had won the first leg 2-0 and therefore advanced with a 4-3 aggregate victory. The result marked a historic achievement for Ararat-Armenia, which progressed beyond a Champions League qualifying round for the first time in the club’s history.

On July 16, Pyunik hosted Maltese runners-up Marsaxlokk at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in the second leg of the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League first qualifying round.

Pyunik had secured a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg. The return match in Yerevan ended in a 1-0 win for the hosts, with Kulikov scoring the only goal. Pyunik advanced to the next round with a 4-0 aggregate victory.

In another Conference League first qualifying-round tie, Alashkert faced Kazakhstan’s Elimai away from home.

The first leg between the two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw, and the return match also finished 1-1 after regulation time. Momo Touré opened the scoring for the Yerevan club before Bakhtiyarov equalized for the hosts.

During extra time, the Kazakh side was awarded a penalty, which Ilić converted. However, in the final seconds of the match, Alashkert equalized to make it 2-2 through Togolan.

Vahe Gevorgyan’s players were more accurate in the ensuing penalty shootout, winning 6-5 and securing their place in the next round.

The second qualifying rounds of the European competitions will begin next week.

UEFA Champions League

Armenian champions Ararat-Armenia will face Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round. The first leg will be played in Yerevan on July 21, followed by the return match in Ireland on July 28.

UEFA Conference League

Armenian runners-up Noah will begin their European campaign in the second qualifying round against Moldova’s Zimbru. The first leg will be played away on July 23, with the return match taking place in Armenia on July 30.

Pyunik will face Hungary’s Debrecen in the second qualifying round. The first leg will be played away on July 23, followed by the return match in Armenia on July 30.

Alashkert will face Romania’s CFR Cluj in the second qualifying round. The first leg will be played in Yerevan on July 23, with the return match taking place in Romania on July 30.