Astana beat HJK Helsinki in the third qualifying round and APOEL Nicosia in the play-off round. Thus, Stanimir Stoilov became the first Bulgarian to coach two teams in the group stage of the Champions League.
Astana's victory over HJK Helsinki in the third qualifying round and APOEL Nicosia in the playoff round led to Stanimir Stoilov becoming the first Bulgarian coach to manage two teams in the Champions League group stage.