Hibs and Aberdeen learn Conference League qualifying fate

Hibernian and Aberdeen have learned the identity of their opponents for the second qualifying round of the Conference League.

The Scottish sides qualified for UEFA’s new competition by finishing third and fourth in the Premiership last season and both need to get through three qualifying rounds to reach the group stage.

Hibs will start their season with a two-legged tie against Gibraltar’s Mons Calpe or Andorran side Santa Coloma. Jack Ross’ side will play the first leg at Easter Road before travelling for the conclusion of the tie.

Aberdeen have been paired with Swedish representatives BK Häcken and will be at Pittodrie for the first game, which will mark Stephen Glass’ competitive debut as manager.

The first leg will be played on July 22, with the return game a week later.

Mons Calpe are in the competition after finding fourth in last season’s Gibraltar National League, while Hibs’ other possible opponent Santa Coloma were third in the Andorran Primera Divisio.

Aberdeen’s opponents Hacken were third, behind Malmo and Elfsborg in the 2020 Allsvenskan but the Swedish side have had a tough start to this season, sitting bottom of the league with only one win from eight games.