Here’s the latest on Celtic’s and Rangers’ Champions League play-off draw and confirmed fixture dates:
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Opponents & Draw Routes
Celtic will face the winner of the tie between Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia). Kairat emerged victorious via penalties and now stand between the Hoops and a coveted group-stage spot .
Rangers, having beaten Viktoria Plzen 4–2 on aggregate, have earned a play-off tie against Club Brugge (Belgium), who overcame RB Salzburg in their qualifier .
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Match Dates, Venues & Kick-offs
Celtic vs Kairat Almaty
First leg: Wednesday, 20 August, at Celtic Park (kick-off 20:00 BST)
Return leg: Tuesday, 26 August, in Almaty (kick-off ~17:45 local)
Rangers vs Club Brugge
First leg: Tuesday, 19 August, at Ibrox (20:00 BST)
Return leg: Wednesday, 27 August, in Bruges (20:00 BST)
Both clubs are leveraging home advantage in their first legs, with those crucial ties scheduled midweek in the weeks of 19/20 and 26/27 August .
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Stakes & Context
A spot in the Champions League league phase is at stake—each club stands to earn around £25 million in prize money plus significant TV and gate revenues .
Victory secures direct entry into the group stage; if either fails, they’ll drop into the Europa League.
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These are high-stakes, high-reward fixtures for both Old Firm teams. With domestic schedules temporarily shuffled (like Rangers playing St Mirren on Sunday 24 August), all focus is on securing European glory.
Let me know if you’d like squad news, tactical previews, or ticket info!
