Clubs learn potential Europa League play-off opposition

Scotland’s Europa League clubs have learned who they will face in the play-off round of the competition – if they get past their third round opponents.

UEFA conducted the draw for the play-offs on Friday, laying out the possible path to the group stages for Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Celtic are in the competition after being knocked out of Champions League qualifying and have been paired with Latvian side Riga in the next round. Victory in the one-legged tie would see them travel to face Sarajevo or Budućnost Podgorica in the play-off.

Rangers cruised to victory against Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday night and set up a third round clash with Dutch outfit Willem II. The winners of that tie will take on Galatasaray or Hajduk Split.

Aberdeen’s win against Viking saw them qualify to play Portuguese giants Sporting next week and if they can pull off a shock result then they would play LASK or Dunajska Streda at Pittodrie.

Motherwell needed extra time and penalties to see off Coleraine in the second round and face a step up in quality when they travel to Hapoel Be’er Sheva. If they can get a positive result in Israel then a play-off duel with Viktoria Plzen or SønderjyskE lies in wait.

Third round ties will be played on September 24, with the play-off matches scheduled for Thursday, October 1.