Scottish Sides Learn European Play-off Fates

Celtic will face either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off round, while Rangers could meet RB Salzburg or Club Brugge if they overcome Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round. Aberdeen have been drawn against FCSB of Bucharest or Kosovan side Drita in the Europa League play-off round. Hibernian and Dundee United discovered their potential opponents in the Conference League play-off draw, facing Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca and AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor respectively, should they progress past their upcoming ties.

Champions League: Celtic and Rangers Face Tricky Paths

The Champions League play-off ties are scheduled for August 19/20 and 26/27, with the winners securing a coveted spot in the lucrative league phase of the competition. Defeat at this stage will see teams drop into the Europa League league phase, offering a consolation prize of continued European football.

Celtic, who finished 21st in the Champions League table last season, will be aiming to replicate their previous success against Slovan Bratislava, having hammered them 5-1 at Celtic Park. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to guide his team back to the Champions League group stages after a strong showing last season. They previously beat Shakhter Karagandy and Astana, both from Kazakhstan, in 2013 and 2017, respectively.

Rangers, runners-up in the Scottish Premiership, face a challenging route. First, they must overcome Viktoria Plzen. Should they succeed, they could face RB Salzburg or Club Brugge, two teams with significant European pedigree. Rangers last participated in the Champions League group stage in 2022. If Rangers lose their match with Viktoria Plzen, they will automatically be placed in the league phase of the Europa League.

Football finance expert Dr. Dan Plumley, from Sheffield Hallam University, commented on the importance of Champions League qualification for Scottish clubs: "The financial rewards for reaching the Champions League group stage are immense, offering a transformative boost to club finances and allowing for reinvestment in players and infrastructure. For Celtic and Rangers, it's not just about prestige; it's about maintaining competitiveness in the long term."

Europa League: Aberdeen to Host First Leg

Aberdeen will play the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie at Pittodrie on August 21, with the return match a week later. The losers of their tie will drop into the Conference League league phase. FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, are former European Cup winners (1986). They were eliminated from the Champions League qualifying rounds by Shkendija and finished 11th in the Europa League table last season, losing their match against Rangers.

Conference League: Hibs and Dundee United Seek Group Stage Debut

Hibernian and Dundee United are both vying for their first taste of European group stage football in the Conference League. Hibs must first navigate a tie against Partizan Belgrade, while United face Rapid Vienna. Should they progress, Hibs will face Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca, while Dundee United could meet AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor.

Both Scottish sides are scheduled to play the first legs of their play-off ties at home on August 21. Legia Warsaw reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League last season, eventually losing to the tournament's winner, Chelsea.

Former Scotland international midfielder, Pat Nevin, offered his analysis of the Conference League draw: "The Conference League presents a real opportunity for Hibs and Dundee United to make a mark on the European stage. While the competition may not have the same prestige as the Champions League or Europa League, it provides a platform for these clubs to gain valuable experience and potentially progress deep into the tournament."

The play-off draws have set the stage for an exciting few weeks for Scottish football, with all five clubs hoping to secure their place in the group stages of their respective European competitions.

Celtic will play either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off round. Rangers will play RB Salzburg or Club Brugge if they get past Viktoria Plzen. Aberdeen face FCSB or Drita in the Europa League play-off round. Hibs will play Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca if they win against Partizan Belgrade. Dundee United will play AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor if they win against Rapid Vienna.