Celtic could face a stern test in their very first Champions League qualifier this summer. The Hoops booked their place in the first round of qualification by winning the title on Saturday and attentions have now drifted to see who they could face.
The full pot for the first round is far from complete with leagues still to be settled across Europe. We do, however, have a rough idea of who Celtic could come up against. There are some familiar foes, some lesser known teams and a potential draw to avoid. Let’s take a look.
Confirmed opponents
There are seven teams confirmed in the unseeded pot for the first round so far. This stage of the tournament is usually regionalised meaning the Celtic could come up against old foes Linfield (Northern Ireland) or HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands) among others.
The Hoops are unlikely to be able to play Welsh champions TNS and definitely can’t come up against Dundalk (Republic of Ireland) – in the first round at least.
A tough opener
There is the potential for Celtic to have a nightmare draw, even at the opening hurdle. It all boils down to who wins the Polish top-flight. If current leaders Legia Warsaw hold on to their one point advantage then Celtic will be in the clear until the later rounds. If either of the two chasing sides – Piast or Lechia – win the title then they could be first round opponents.
This is down to their low European ranking in comparison to Legia. UEFA seed teams on individual records rather than the country they hail from meaning Celtic don’t have much insurance against surprise winners. There are still three games to go in the Polish Ekstraklasa so a lot could change.
Celtic’s Champions League task
If Celtic are to make it back to the group stage then they will have to navigate four two-legged ties. The Hoops will find out their opponents for the first round on the 18th of June. The first competitive match of the season will take place during the second week of July.
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