RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCeltic learn five possible Champions League play-off opponents
Celtic have discovered the five possible opponents they could face in next Monday’s UEFA Champions League play-off draw.
Fans of Celtic show their support in the stands prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The Scottish champions are among the seeded clubs in the Champions Route after securing automatic passage to the final qualifying stage, where 10 teams will compete for a place in the League Phase.
With the second qualifying round now complete, Austrian champions LASK and Norwegian title holders Viking are confirmed as possible opponents, while the remaining three potential ties depend on the outcome of the third qualifying round.
Those unseeded pairings are AGF against Sabah, Kairat Almaty versus Levski Sofia, and NK Celje against Ararat-Armenia.
Celtic’s possible Champions League play-off opponents:
LASK (Austria)
Viking (Norway)
AGF (Denmark) or Sabah (Azerbaijan)
Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)
NK Celje (Slovenia) or Ararat-Armenia (Armenia)
Although Celtic are seeded for the draw, that does not ensure they will play the second leg at Celtic Park, with the order of the draw determining which club hosts the opening fixture.
Martin O’Neill’s side will be aiming to avoid a repeat of last season, when they were knocked out at the same hurdle by Kairat Almaty on penalties following a demanding journey to Kazakhstan.
The play-off first legs are scheduled for August 18 and 19, with the return matches taking place on August 25 and 26. Victory over two legs would secure a place in the revamped 36-team Champions League League Phase, while defeat would see Celtic drop into the Europa League.
Reaching the Champions League proper would also deliver another major financial boost. UEFA’s latest financial figures showed Celtic collected £40.3 million from their 2024/25 European campaign, which included progression from the League Phase before an eventual knockout exit to Bayern Munich.
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