Celtic drawn against LASK in Champions League play-off
The Scottish champions will face Austrian title-holders LASK in the Champions League play-off round, while other Premiership clubs learn their European paths.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Celtic face Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round.
- The Scottish side will play the first leg at home on August 18 and 19.
- LASK won their second domestic title last season, their first since 1965.
- UEFA confirmed groupings for the Europa and Conference League play-offs on Monday.
Celtic have been paired with Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round. Martin O'Neill's side will host the opening leg at home on August 18 and 19, before traveling away for the return fixture the following week.
Managed by Dietmar Kuhbauer, LASK secured their domestic league title for only the second time in their history last season, marking their first championship triumph since 1965. Like the Scottish giants, they earned direct entry into this play-off stage.
This pairing is arguably the toughest draw Celtic could have received. Although LASK possess a lower coefficient rating than Celje, the Austrian football league holds a significantly higher ranking than Slovenia's, presenting a major hurdle for the Glasgow club.
Meanwhile, UEFA's confirmation of the groupings on Monday morning has given Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell, and Rangers much clearer clarity regarding their potential opponents in the upcoming Europa League and Conference League play-off draws.
Should Rangers overcome Polish opposition Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round, they will face either Norway's Lillestrom, the winners between Northern Irish champions Larne and Georgia's Iberia 1999, or the losers from specific Champions League qualifiers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Having dropped down from the Champions League qualifiers, Hearts are set to face Benfica, with the winner advancing to meet one of four potential play-off opponents. If Hearts lose to Benfica, they will drop into the Conference League play-offs to face teams such as Atalanta, Freiburg, or other bracket winners.
Motherwell face an identical set of potential opponents provided they get past Finland's HJK Helsinki. Similarly, should Hibs defeat North Macedonia's Shkendija, they could face high-profile opponents like Brighton & Hove Albion or Monaco.
Source: BBC Sport
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment