With the Champions League play-off draw fast approaching, Celtic are getting closer to learning who they’ll face in the final hurdle before reaching the league phase once again.
Thanks to their UEFA ranking, the Scottish champions will be seeded for the draw, keeping them clear of several established clubs like Bodo/Glimt, FC Copenhagen, Red Star Belgrade and Ferencvaros.
However, that doesn’t mean it’ll be a straightforward route. Five unseeded sides are in contention to land Celtic, with two already confirmed and three more still battling it out in the qualifying rounds. The draw takes place on Monday, August 4, and there’s plenty to keep an eye on before then.
Swiss champions Basel are already guaranteed a place in the play-off round and would be a tough draw. The Hoops will remember being knocked out by them back in 2002. Basel have also kept former Celtic striker Albian Ajeti in their ranks, which could add an extra layer if the sides are paired again.
Sturm Graz are another team Celtic could face. The Austrians won their domestic title ahead of RB Salzburg and have Scotland’s Max Johnston on their books. While not a traditional European name, their recent success means they won’t be taken lightly.
Slovan Bratislava are well on course to progress after thumping Zrinjski 4-0. Celtic know them well from last year’s Champions League, where they dismantled the Slovakian side 5-1 at Paradise. Slovan will take on either KuPS or Kairat Almaty in the next round, with the Finnish side 2-0 up.
Maccabi Tel Aviv are also in the frame. They drew 1-1 with Pafos in Cyprus and will be expected to finish the job at home. Should they advance, they’ll likely meet Dynamo Kyiv next, who hold a commanding 3-0 lead over Hamrun.
Romanian side FCSB still have it all to do after losing 1-0 away to Shkendija. If they can turn that around in the second leg, a tie with Qarabag would follow, the Azerbaijani outfit having cruised past Shelbourne with a 3-0 away win.
It’s nearly decision time for Celtic. They’ll find out their opponents next week, with just 180 minutes separating them from another run at Europe’s elite.
