A stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Frank Junior Adjei rescued a 1–1 draw for Hammarby against Anderlecht in Stockholm, keeping the Swedish side’s Europa League hopes alive. The Belgian visitors had seized an early lead when Danylo Sikan curled a free-kick in off the underside of the bar after six minutes. Anderlecht’s Nathan Saliba was dismissed for a second yellow card with a quarter of an hour remaining, and Hammarby’s pressure finally told in the closing moments. Adjei, on the pitch for only three minutes, rifled the ball into the roof of the net from close range; the goal survived a VAR review. “We deserved to win,” Adjei said afterwards, while coach Henrik Rydström noted the tie “lives on” for the return leg in Brussels.

Elsewhere, Maccabi Tel Aviv delivered the night’s most emphatic performance, demolishing Sheriff Tiraspol 5–0 in Moldova. Seyd Abu Farhi headed the opener after five minutes, Dor Peretz added a second before the half-hour, and Sagiv Yehezkel rounded the goalkeeper for the third early in the second half. Abu Farhi converted a penalty for his second and Issouf Sissoko completed the rout. In Hungary, Hapoel Tel Aviv marked their first European fixture in 12 years with a 2–0 victory over Ludogorets. Omri Altman headed in a Stav Turiel cross on the stroke of half-time, and defender Chico bundled in a rebound in the 90th minute. Beitar Jerusalem secured a 1–0 away win against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus, Brian Carvalyo curling a free-kick past the goalkeeper in the 77th minute after the hosts had Mike van der Hoorn sent off.

Swiss clubs enjoyed a productive evening. St. Gallen upset Benfica 2–1 at home in Europa League qualifying, centre-back Tom Gaal heading an 80th-minute winner from a Lukas Daschner free-kick. Aliou Baldé had given the hosts a first-half lead with a sharp-angled finish, only for Rafa Silva to equalise before the interval. Sion drew 1–1 with BATE Borisov in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, where the Belarusian side are playing European ties under a UEFA sanction. Winsley Boteli cancelled out an early deficit in the 42nd minute after an earlier effort was ruled offside. Vaduz, the Liechtenstein cup winners, overwhelmed Andorran side Atlètic d’Escaldes 4–0, while GAIS beat Nordsjælland 1–0 in Gothenburg on their return to continental competition after 36 years.

In Amsterdam, Ajax took a firm grip on their Conference League qualifier with a 4–1 win over Vojvodina. Moroccan youth international Abdullah Wazan, introduced in the 72nd minute, marked his European debut with an assist in stoppage time, teeing up the fourth goal. The 19-year-old’s cameo reinforced the positive impression he has made since being promoted to the first team.

All ties remain in the balance ahead of next week’s return legs. St. Gallen travel to Lisbon defending a narrow lead, Hammarby must score in Brussels, and Maccabi Tel Aviv are all but assured of progress. The victors will move a step closer to the league phases of their respective competitions.