Football fans are in for a treat today, August 12, 2025, with action unfolding in both the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and the first round of the Carabao Cup. From high-stakes European showdowns to domestic cup battles, here's a look at the key events.

Champions League Qualifying: The Road to Europe

The third qualifying round of the Champions League is reaching its climax with the second leg matches taking place. Several intriguing matchups are set to determine which teams will advance to the play-off round.

One of the most anticipated games is between Fenerbahce and Feyenoord. Feyenoord holds a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg, thanks to a late goal from Anis Hadj Moussa. However, Fenerbahce, under the guidance of José Mourinho, will be looking to overturn the deficit in Istanbul. Mourinho faces pressure to deliver Champions League football after last season's failure to reach the league stage. Feyenoord, coached by Robin van Persie, has defensive concerns with several key defenders injured.

In another key fixture, Rangers have a commanding 3-0 lead over Viktoria Plzen. Djeidi Gassama has been a standout performer for Rangers, scoring in all three of their Champions League matches. Other matches include Copenhagen against Malmö, where the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw, and Benfica against Nice, with Benfica holding a 2-0 lead. Slovan Bratislava is aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Kairat Almaty.

Carabao Cup First Round: Domestic Battles Begin

The first round of the Carabao Cup is also underway, featuring teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two. This stage of the competition sees many clubs শুরু their campaigns, with hopes of a cup run.

Several interesting ties are on the schedule. Championship sides Coventry City and Luton Town face off, while Bristol City takes on MK Dons. An all-Championship clash sees Watford host Norwich City. Watford has a decent record in the League Cup first round, having lost only once in the last 10 seasons. Leyton Orient are at home against Wycombe. Both teams reached the third round last season. Other notable matches include Birmingham against Sheffield United, and Wrexham against Hull.

Several lower-league teams are also in action, hoping to cause upsets. League Two Bromley host Championship side Ipswich. Barrow are up against Preston North End. Accrington Stanley will face Peterborough United. Barnsley will play Fleetwood Town in their first-ever League Cup meeting. Stoke City will face Walsall. Tranmere Rovers will take on Burton Albion.

The winners of these ties will advance to the second round, where they will be joined by Premier League teams not participating in European competitions. The nine Premier League teams in Europe – Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest – will enter in the third round.

With action across Europe and England, today promises to be a thrilling day for football fans.