Celtic have learned who stands between them and the lucrative Champions League group stage.
Basel, Sturm Graz, Slovan Bratislava or Kairat, Pafos or Dynamo Kyiv, and Qarabag or Shkendija are the five possible opponents for Brendan Rodgers’ men in the playoff round. The draw takes place on Monday, with the two-legged tie scheduled for 19th/20th August and 26th/27th August. Some of these teams will be familiar to Celtic fans.
No matter who comes out of the hat, the stakes are sky-high. The pressure on Celtic to reach the Champions League proper is immense — financially, reputationally, and to re-establish some credibility on the European stage.
But the mood among fans is anything but confident.
With less than a month to go, the squad remains worryingly light. Key attacking departures haven’t been replaced, and the summer transfer window has so far been defined by dithering. Supporters watching on fear a repeat of previous disasters — and there have been plenty.
Over the last 15 years, Celtic have repeatedly stumbled in Champions League qualifiers against so-called weaker opposition. Cluj, AEK Athens, Maribor, and Malmo are just a few names that haunt the support. This isn’t paranoia — it’s pattern recognition.
The concern now is that history is ready to repeat itself.
Brendan Rodgers has made it clear what he expects from the board this summer. But as things stand, the reinforcements are not arriving quickly enough — and time is running out. With a thin squad, the Bhoys are heading into this playoff undercooked.
The financial and footballing gulf between the Champions League and the Europa League is massive. Missing out would not only damage Celtic’s standing, but also pile further scrutiny on a board that continues to play a dangerous game with European ambitions.
Celtic cannot afford to limp into this tie. They need clarity, conviction, and new signings — now.
