Celtic’s potential opponents in the Champions League play-off round are starting to take shape following the recent second qualifying round matches, highlighted by an impressive comeback from Danish champions AGF Aarhus.
The Scottish champions were already aware that Norwegian team Viking Stavanger and Austria’s LASK are likely rivals, as both teams have secured automatic qualification for the play-off round and will be positioned on the unseeded side of the draw.
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Three additional potential opponents will emerge from matches scheduled for the first legs on August 4 and 5, with second legs taking place on August 11.
AGF, who were down 4-1 after their first leg against Polish champions Lech Poznan, stunned their opponents by scoring three goals within 90 minutes to force extra time on Wednesday.
Although Lech, featuring former Celtic winger Luis Palma, netted first in extra time, the Danes managed to equalize and ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout.
This victory sets AGF up to face Sabah in the third round of qualifying, as the Azerbaijan champions secured a 3-0 aggregate win with a 2-0 victory against Finnish side KuPS on Tuesday.
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Celtic could also meet the winners of the matchup between Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty and Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia. Levski advanced after defeating Universitatea Craiova 3-2 on aggregate, following a 2-2 draw in Romania. Meanwhile, Kairat progressed by overcoming Omonia Nicosia in a penalty shootout following a 1-0 home victory that leveled the tie at 1-1.
Lastly, Celtic could face either Celje of Slovenia or Aarat-Armenia. Celje advanced after winning on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw at home that left the aggregate score level at 5-5. The Armenian champions, Aarat, progressed with a 3-2 aggregate win, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg against Shamrock Rovers.