Scottish Teams Draw European Playoff Opponents

Scottish football clubs have learned their respective European playoff opponents as they chase qualification for the group stages of major competitions. The draws were made following the third qualifying rounds, setting the stage for thrilling matches across the continent.

Celtic's Champions League Ambitions

Celtic faces a tough start in the Champions League playoff round, where they will take on either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty. Should they secure victory, the Glasgow giants could advance to the group stage, aiming to build on their strong performance last season that saw them finish 21st in the competition. Meanwhile, Rangers, who last reached the group stage in 2022, are targeting a clash with RB Salzburg or Club Brugge if they overcome Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round.

Aberdeen's Europa League Challenge

Aberdeen heads into the Europa League playoff with a trip to Romania or Kosovo on the horizon. The Dons will host FCSB of Bucharest or Kosovan side Drita in the first leg at Pittodrie Stadium on August 21, with the return match a week later. A loss in this tie would see them drop into the Conference League, while victory would keep their European hopes alive.

Hibernian and Dundee United Target Conference League Glory

Hibernian and Dundee United are both aiming to secure their first taste of European group stage football. Hibs must first overcome Partizan Belgrade, while Dundee United faces Rapid Vienna. If they progress, Hibs will take on the losers of the Legia Warsaw v AEK Larnaca Europa League fixture, while Dundee United will face the winners of AIK Stockholm v FC Gyor. Both matches will be played at home in the first leg on August 21.

These matchups promise to be激动人心 as the Scottish sides look to make their mark on the European stage. The ties will be played over the weekend of August 19/20 and 26/27, with the outcomes determining which teams will progress to the next phase of competition.