Rangers, Hibs & Dundee Utd Learn About Possible European Rivals
Rangers’ Prospective Opponents in the Champions League
Rangers have been matched against either Viktoria Plzen from the Czech Republic or Switzerland’s Servette for the Champions League third qualifying round, depending on the outcome of their clash with Panathinaikos.
Should Russell Martin’s team fail to surpass the Greeks, they will shift to the Europa League where they are set to face either Turkey’s Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine.
Hibernian’s Next Challenge in the Europa League
If Hibernian manages to defeat Midtjylland in their second qualifying round of the Europa League, they will advance to play Fredrikstad, a newly promoted side from Norway.
However, should they be defeated by the Danish side, David Gray’s team will contend against either Oleksandriya from Ukraine or Serbia’s Partizan Beograd for a chance to secure a spot in the Conference League playoffs.
Dundee United’s Potential Future Matches
Dundee United also discovered their potential opponents for the Conference League, if they succeed against the Luxembourgian team UNA Strassen in their second qualifying round.
Should Jim Goodwin’s squad advance, they are likely to face either Decic from Montenegro or Rapid Vienna from Austria.
Seasoned Rivals Await Rangers
Rangers will encounter experienced European teams if they aspire to reach the playoff rounds, whether in the Champions League or Europa League.
If they overcome Panathinaikos, their next adversary will be one of these two squads—Viktoria Plzen, who finished as runners-up to Slavia Prague, or Servette, a runner-up to Basel.
Viktoria had a challenging last season, finishing 16th in the Europa League and suffered elimination at the hands of Lazio. Nevertheless, they reached the league stage by outperforming Hearts in a playoff.
In the previous season, they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Conference League before being defeated by Fiorentina. Rangers previously edged past Servette in the third qualifying round of the Europa League in 2023.
Hibs Positioned Favorably
Hibernian appears to have a less challenging pathway in the Europa League, should they triumph over Midtjylland. Fredrikstad, who returned to the top tier of Norwegian football this year, currently finds itself mid-table assignment in the Eliteserien.
This is their first European campaign in 15 years, having not secured a win in their last nine attempts since their notable victory against Ajax during the 1960-61 European Cup.
If Hibs drop down to the Conference League, they may face Oleksandriya, who finished behind Dynamo Kyiv but above Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian league.
Meanwhile, Partizan aims to bounce back after losing to Larnaka in the Europa League and is looking to reach the Conference League for the second time.
Challenges Ahead for United
Dundee United will have tough fixtures ahead if they progress beyond Strassen, as potential opponents include Rapid Vienna, who had a strong showing reaching the Conference League quarter-finals last season.
Decic, who newly started appearing in European competitions, showed resilience by claiming their domestic title for the first time last year and already winning a tie to advance in the qualifiers.
Key Matchups
Champions League – Third Qualifying Round
- Rangers or Panathinaikos (Greece) vs. Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) or Servette (Switzerland)
- Shkendija (North Macedonia) or FCSB (Romania) vs. Shelbourne (Republic of Ireland) or Qarabag (Azerbaijan)
Europa League – Third Qualifying Round
- Fredrikstad (Norway) vs. Midtjylland (Denmark) or Hibernian
- Rangers or Panathinaikos vs. Besiktas (Turkey) or Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Conference League – Third Qualifying Round
- Ballkani (Kosovo) or Floriana (Malta) vs. St Joseph’s (Gibraltar) or Shamrock Rovers (Republic of Ireland)
- Decic (Montenegro) or Rapid Vienna (Austria) vs. Dundee United or Strassen (Luxembourg)
- Ilves (Finland) or AZ Alkmaar vs. Vaduz (Liechtenstein) or Dungannon Swifts
Stay tuned for further updates on these thrilling matchups!
