Celtic now know the pool of potential opponents standing between them and a place in this season’s Champions League.
Martin O’Neill’s side are aiming to negotiate the two-legged play-off later in August and return to Europe’s top competition after reaching the knockout phase in the 2024/25 campaign, where Bayern Munich eventually ended their run.
Martin O’Neill’s European away record at the club is strong. Having dropped down to the Europa League last season after failing to reach the Champions League, O’Neill came back on two interim occasions.
During his first interim spell, Celtic beat Feyenoord in Rotterdam, then drew with Bologna in Italy. They reached the knockout phase, where they beat Stuttgart away but were knocked out 4-2 on aggregate.
A home win over Utrecht sealed their place in the next round.
The veteran boss will undoubtedly want another crack at Europe’s elite competition.
The clubs Celtic could be drawn against are as follows:
- Viking Stavanger (Norway)
- LASK Linz (Austria)
- NK Celje (Slovenia) or Ararat-Armenia (Armenia)
- Aarhus (Denmark) or Sabah (Azerbaijan)
- Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)
One name on that list will immediately catch the eye.
Kairat Almaty were responsible for ending Celtic’s Champions League hopes at the play-off stage last season. Neither side could be separated over the tie before the Kazakh side edged a 3-2 penalty shootout victory, sending Rodgers’ men into the Europa League instead.
Should Kairat come through their third qualifying round tie against Levski Sofia, there is the possibility of a reunion.
The Bulgarian side will face Kairat on August 4 before the return leg the following week, with the winner advancing into the play-off round.
Celtic will avoid AEK Athens, who are now seeded, after Lech Poznan threw away a 4-1 first-leg lead to Danish side AGF, who advanced on penalties.
Looking through the list, Celtic will believe they have enough quality to overcome any of the potential opponents. That confidence, though, has to be matched by the performances.
Last season was a reminder that these qualifiers can quickly become awkward. Fine margins, difficult away trips and a lack of ruthlessness can undo months of preparation.
Brendan Rodgers’ squad showed in Europe during the 2024/25 campaign that they can compete at a higher level when they reach the league phase – with proper squad investment. The challenge now is making sure they get there.
The draw for the Champions League play-off round takes place on Monday, August 3.
The first leg will be played on August 18 or 19, with the return fixture scheduled for August 25 or 26.
Celtic now have a much clearer idea of the task ahead. The objective, however, has not changed. Win the play-off and book another place among Europe’s elite.
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