With the preliminary round completed, as well as the first and second qualifying rounds, the qualifying section of 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League now moves into its final phase: the third qualifying round. Once this is completed, it's off to the crucial play-off stage, which will ultimately determine which teams will be fortunate enough to join the already-qualified teams in the group stage.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the third qualifying round.
When does the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round begin?
This stage begins on Tuesday, September 15th and concludes on Wednesday, September 16th.
How many teams are participating in the Champions League third qualifying round?
A total of 16 teams from 16 different countries are all vying for a chance to feature in the play-offs. Ten of these teams are grouped into the "Champions Path", while the other six are part of the "League Path" contingent.
What's the difference? Where a team ends up if they lose. For the Champions Path, the five losers will head to the 2020/2021 UEFA Europa League play-off round. For the League Path, the three losers will drop down to the 2020/2021 UEFA Europa League group stage.
Which notable teams are featuring in the Champions League third qualifying round?
Arguably, the biggest team at this juncture is Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. They failed to win the Primeira Liga last season, and so as a result, have to try to secure their spot in this year's Champions League by featuring here as they face Greek side PAOK. After that, it's on to the play-offs, where their next opponent will be Russian outfit Krasnodar. They will come into their match in a patch of good form as they have won their last four friendly ties, so it goes without saying that Jorge Jesus's side will be fancying their chances at getting to the next stage.
UEFA Champions League third qualifying round schedule
Here's the schedule for the upcoming round of fixtures:
