Pafos FC of Cyprus and Bodo/Glimt of Norway are set to make their Champions League debuts this season after successfully navigating the qualifying play-offs. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience and skill to reach this prestigious stage of European football.

Pafos FC: A Late Surge to Glory

Pafos FC, founded just 11 years ago, secured their place in the Champions League with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory. Brazilian winger Jaja scored a crucial 89th-minute equalizer, ensuring Pafos became only the third Cypriot club to qualify for the Champions League, following in the footsteps of Apoel and Anorthosis Famagusta.

Bodo/Glimt: Norway's New Hope

Bodo/Glimt, a four-time Norwegian champion, advanced to the league phase with a commanding 6-2 aggregate win over Austrian side Sturm Graz, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg. This marks the first time since the 2007–08 season that a Norwegian club has reached the Champions League proper. Bodo/Glimt's journey to this stage is a testament to their growing stature in European football, having reached the Europa League semi-finals last season.

Kairat Almaty: Kazakhstan's Rising Star

Joining Pafos and Bodo/Glimt is Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, who stunned Celtic in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in both legs. Kairat is the second Kazakh side to qualify for the Champions League, following Astana in the 2015–16 season. The journey to Almaty promises to be a challenging one for European opponents, given the city's remote location and the team's formidable home record.

The Road Ahead

The draw for the league phase of the Champions League will take place on Thursday in Monaco, with the first matchday scheduled between 16 and 18 September. As these debutants prepare to face Europe's elite, their participation marks a significant milestone in their respective football histories.

For more updates, watch highlights of every Champions League game on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Don't miss the Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.