Celtic and Rangers Discover Champions League Opponents
The road to the 2025-26 Champions League league phase is now clearer for Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers after the play-off draw revealed their potential opponents. Both clubs face tough tests in their bid to reach Europe’s elite competition, with high stakes on the line.
Celtic’s Path to the Champions League
Celtic, fresh off a strong domestic campaign, will face either Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia) or Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) in the play-off round. The first leg will take place on 19/20 August, with the return fixture scheduled for 26/27 August.
Brendan Rodgers’ side has history with Slovan Bratislava, having demolished them 5-1 in Glasgow last season. However, Kairat Almaty presents unfamiliar territory—Celtic have never faced them, though they have beaten Kazakh opponents like Shakhter Karagandy and Astana in past European campaigns.
Last season, Celtic secured three wins and three draws in the league phase before a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in the knockout play-offs. A repeat performance could see them make waves in this year’s tournament.
Rangers’ Crucial Qualification Battle
Rangers must first overcome Czech side Viktoria Plzeň in the third qualifying round before advancing to the play-offs. If they succeed, they’ll meet either RB Salzburg (Austria) or Club Brugge (Belgium)—both seasoned European competitors.
The Champions League play-off presents a golden opportunity for Rangers to return to the group stage, a feat they last achieved in 2022. However, should they falter against Plzeň or their play-off opponent, they’ll secure automatic entry into the Europa League league phase—a solid consolation prize.
Aberdeen’s Europa League Journey
Aberdeen have their own European challenge, drawn against FCSB (Romania) or Drita (Kosovo) in the Europa League play-offs. The first leg at Pittodrie on 21 August will be crucial, with the return fixture following a week later.
FCSB, formerly Steaua Bucharest, are no strangers to European success—they won the European Cup in 1986 and reached the Europa League last 16 in recent years. However, Aberdeen will be eager to capitalize if they face the less-experienced Drita.
Failure to advance would see Aberdeen drop into the Conference League, keeping their European campaign alive.
Hibs & Dundee United Target Historic Conference League Run
Both Hibernian and Dundee United have been placed in the same pot for the Conference League play-offs, but they must first clear tricky qualifiers. Hibs take on Partizan Belgrade, while United face Rapid Vienna.
If they progress, Hibs will meet the losers of Legia Warsaw vs. AEK Larnaca, while United would clash with the victors of AIK Stockholm vs. FC Győr. Both Scottish sides will host the first legs on 21 August, with a historic group-stage debut at stake.
High Stakes for Scottish Football
The upcoming qualifying rounds represent a major opportunity for Scottish clubs to make an impact in Europe. Celtic and Rangers are aiming for the prestige of the Champions League, while Aberdeen, Hibs, and Dundee United seek success in the Europa and Conference Leagues.
With exciting matchups and potential for upsets, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping Scotland’s representation in European football this season. Fans will be eagerly watching to see which clubs can rise to the occasion and secure their place on the continental stage.
The Champions League remains the top prize, but regardless of outcomes, Scottish football looks set for a thrilling European journey.
