Europa League Archives - Page 2 of 3

Celtic Welcome Braga to Celtic Park As They Seek European Success

Celtic Park is set for another dramatic European night on Thursday as they welcome Portuguese side Braga with the Bhoys seeking their first European victory of the season. The atmosphere promises to be unlike the usual thunder that greets the players under the lights. Supporters have announced plans to stage a 29-minute protest against the board, leaving an unusual hush around the stadium until close to the half-hour mark. It’s a gesture aimed at voicing frustration with the hierarchy, but it also creates a curious challenge for Brendan Rodgers’ side: how to seize control of a match without the instant backing of a roaring Parkhead crowd. On the footballing front, the stakes are clear. Celtic began their Europa League campaign with a 1–1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade. A solid enough result, but it leaves little margin for error at home. If the Hoops want to build momentum in a group that looks tight on paper, three points against Braga could be crucial. Braga, however, are no strangers to making life uncomfortable for opponents. They kicked off their group stage with a win, and while their domestic form has been patchy, they remain a team capable of springing surprises.They’re compact, disciplined, and more than capable of striking on the counter through players such as Ricardo Hortaand Fran Navarro. For Celtic, that means patience and concentration will be just as important as attacking flair. Rodgers doesn’t have fresh injury worries, but absences remain a storyline. Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty and Jota are long-term casualties, meaning Celtic have already had to adapt their defensive and attacking structure without them.The back line has looked relatively stable, but the question still lingers over whether Celtic can consistently unlock stubborn defences at this level. European nights often hinge on moments of sharpness in the final third, and that is where Celtic must deliver. Keys to the game feel straightforward yet decisive. An assertive start, even without the immediate roar of the stands, will be vital. Braga will look to ride out the opening half-hour, frustrate, and then grow into the contest. Celtic’s ability to stay compact when out of possession will matter too, as the Portuguese side thrive on transitions and quick breaks. Set-pieces may also play a role in what is likely to be a finely balanced encounter. Once the protest ends, Parkhead will explode into life, and that energy could swing momentum. But Rodgers and his players cannot afford to wait for the noise — they need to take command from the first whistle. Anything less risks handing Braga the belief they need to snatch a result. It won’t be straightforward, and it might not be pretty, but for Celtic this feels like a must-win night.

October 1, 2025

Ex Celtic Striker Seals Defeat for Rangers in Europa League Opener

Rangers 0-1 Genk Oh Hyeon-Gyu (55′) Rangers slipped to a narrow defeat against Genk in the Europa League, as their difficult season opening continued. The home side was reduced to 10 men after Mohamed Diomande lunged at Zakaria El Ouahdi on the stroke of halftime. Beforehand, John Souttar had gone close to opening the scoring, but his header was expertly cleared off the line thanks to a Bryan Heynen overhead kick. Genk had a golden chance to open the scoring after James Tavernier caught Yaimar Medina in the box, but Jack Butland was on hand to save Oh’s resultant penalty, keeping the scores level. The South Korean striker gave Genk the lead ten minutes into the second half, racing clear of the Rangers backline and drilling a low strike across Butland. Rangers were unable to find the equaliser. Heynen’s brilliant late save from Connor Barron’s strike was the closest they came. Rangers return to Premiership action against Livingston on Sunday afternoon, before a trip to Austria to face Sturm Graz in Europa League Matchday 2. Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma Raskin, Diomande, Aasgaard, Moore, Chermiti, Gassama Genk: Van Crombrugge, Medina, Kayembe, Sadick, Smets, El Ouahdi, Bangoura, Heynen, Hrosovsky, Steuckers, Oh

September 25, 2025

Aston Villa v Bologna : Match Preview

Aston Villa begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday night, hosting Italian outfit Bologna at Villa Park. A 6th-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign ensured Aston Villa would return to the Europa League for the first time since 2008/09. Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of last season, having suffered a 2-0 defeat against Man United at Old Trafford. Newcastle claimed the final UCL spot, finishing fifth on goal difference. Unai Emery’s side are no strangers to European football, as a third-consecutive European journey awaits the Villans. Aston Villa have had a difficult start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, playing five matches and failing to pick up a single win in any of those encounters, whilst only managing to find the net once. Losses against Brentford and Crystal Palace, whilst picking up draws against Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland, mean Villa are still in search of their first three points. Villa were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford in the third round after losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The game had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Harvey Elliott netting the only goal. Last time out Villa were made to settle for a point against 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon. Poland international Matty Cash rifled a superb long-distance strike beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs to end Villa’s goal drought, before Wilson Isidor’s 75th-minute effort rescued a point for Sunderland. An insight into Bologna Villa’s opponents, Bologna will feature in the Europa League for the first time in twenty five years. Manager Vincenzo Italiano guided Bologna to a first major trophy in 51 years last season, as they enjoyed silverware success, defeating Italian giants AC Milan 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final. Dan Ndoye’s decisive goal earned Bologna a place in this season’s Europa League. This will be the second consecutive season that Bologna are involved in a European competition, they featured in the UEFA Champions League last time around. The Serie A side were unable to make it out of the league phase after finishing 28th out of 36 teams. Their only victory came against Borussia Dortmund. Bologna’s start to the 2025/26 Serie A campaign has seen them experience mixed fortunes. Vincenzo Italiano’s team have played four matches, winning two and losing two. Both of Bologna’s victories have come at home — a 1-0 win over Como, while defeating Genoa 2-1 most recently. Their two defeats have come in away matches against Roma and AC Milan. Last time out Bologna secured a dramatic victory over Genoa on Saturday. Bologna were awarded a spot-kick in the 99th minute of the game, with the match finely poised at 1-1. Genoa winger Valentín Carboni was penalised for a handball after a VAR check. Bologna attacker Ricardo Orsolini would then make no mistake from 12 yards out to give Bologna all three points. Previous meetings The last meeting between these sides was as recent as last season. October 2024 saw Villa welcome Bologna to Villa Park in the league phase of the Champions League. Goals from John McGinn and Jhon Durán secured a 2-0 win for Villa that night. Team news Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott will be eager to make their first appearances in the Europa League for Aston Villa. Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley were involved in full training on Wednesday, while Belgian internationals Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana remain doubtful for this one. Nicolò Casale, Tommaso Pobega, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ciro Immobile are all set to miss Thursday’s Europa League opener, having been unavailable for Bologna’s last game. Right-back Lorenzo De Silvestri won’t feature, as he was left out of Bologna’s Europa League squad.

September 25, 2025

Iheanacho Earns Celtic Draw in Opening Europa League Tie

Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic Arnautović (65′) Iheanacho (55′) Celtic’s Europa League journey began with a draw in Serbia against Red Star Belgrade. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench at halftime to give his side the lead on 55 minutes. Benjamin Nygren found the striker in the box, who finished high past Matheus following a smart touch. Red Star replied ten minutes later, after Marko Arnautovic bundled home a corner kick. Brendan Rodgers praised his side for “showing great resilience” in the hostile Stadion Rajko Mitić, and hailed Iheanacho’s goal as “outstanding”. The Scottish champions return to league action against Hibernian on Saturday, before their 2nd Europa League match against Sporting Braga at Celtic Park. Red Star Belgrade: Matheus, Seol, Uchanna, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan, Handel, Elsnik, Radonjic, Duarte, Ivanic, Arnautovic. Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Yang, Maeda, Tounekti.

September 24, 2025

Scottish Teams Find Out Their Fate In European Draws

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen today all found out their opponents for the league phases of the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Rangers and Celtic were in pots 1 and 2 of the Europa League draw respectively, whilst Aberdeen found themselves in pot 4 of the Conference League draw following their drop down to the competition last night. The pot 1 part of the draw arguably could not have provided Rangers and Celtic with tougher opponents, with both sides hosting Italian giants AS Roma who are the highest ranked side in the competition as per coefficient. Rangers also have to travel to Portugal to take on 2011 winners FC Porto, the second highest ranked side, whilst Celtic travel to De Kuip to take on Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, who they defeated under Arne Slot in 2023 to end a ten-year Champions League hoodoo. In pot 2, both sides have also been pitted against the 2011 runner ups, Portuguese outfit SC Braga, another side that will be flying in to Glasgow on two separate occasions. Celtic’s away tie from this pot sees them travel to Serbia as they were drawn away to the intimidating atmosphere of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, home of Crvena Zvezda, and Rangers also make the journey to Eastern Europe, as they will play Ferencvaros of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Pot 3 again sees one side fare up against both of the Glasgow giants in Sturm Graz, however unlike AS Roma and SC Braga, they will only need to make their way to the East End of Glasgow rather than the Southside as well, as they have been drawn away to Celtic and at home to Rangers. Rangers’ home tie of this pot sees them host Ludogerets of Bulgaria, who have won their own top flight 14 times on the trot, whilst Danish side FC Midtjylland host another green and white Scottish club, after they knocked Hibernian out late in extra time in the qualifiers to help themselves reach this stage of the competition. In pot 4, Rangers host Belgian side Genk and travel north to face Brann of Norway, who last faced Scottish opposition last season in the form of St. Mirren in Conference League qualifying. Celtic’s draw was concluded with a visit from Dutch side FC Utrecht, where infamous former Hoops goalkeeper Vasilias Barkas currently plies his trade, and they will also make the journey to Northern Italy to take on FC Bologna, captained by Scotland international Lewis Ferguson. As for Ferguson’s former side, Aberdeen, their 6 Conference League opponents were discovered following the Europa League draw. The Dons host Ukrainian side, and European regulars Shakhtar Donetsk from pot 1, and will also see visits from Ligue 1 opposition Strasbourg and Armenian side Noah, who travelled to the UK last season to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the last term’s Conference League, losing 8-0 to the eventual competition winners. There are some enjoyable away days on the cards for the Red Army, as they make the trip to the capital of Czechia to play Sparta Prague. They can also look forward to the slightly warmer climates of Greece’s capital Athens when their side play AEK, and another trip slightly more East to Cyprus, as they face AEK Larnaca, who dumped out a Legia Warsaw side that narrowly beat Hibs last night to deny Scotland having four Scottish sides in European group phase competition.

August 29, 2025

Dons crash, burn and drop into Conference League in Bucharest

FCSB 3 Aberdeen 0 (FCSB win 5-2 on aggregate) Aberdeen have been consigned to UEFA Europa Conference League football this season as they went down to Romanian side FCSB in the Europa League Playoff round. The Dons return to group phase football for the first time since 2023, where they also found themselves in European football’s third tier competition, in a campaign which produces memorable wins over Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt but ultimately no qualification for the latter stages. Jimmy Thelin’s side did well to keep the tie alive last week at Pittodrie, having gone down 2-0 in the second half of the first leg, yet they would get no better opportunity to go ahead for the first time in the tie in the opening minutes of the game, when striker Ester Sokler, who scored a 90th minute equaliser last week, trickled a rebounded effort into the hands of goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu who gracefully collected the ball into his hands from six yards out. Aberdeen more than went toe to toe with the Romanian hosts for large parts of the first half, with Ante Palaversa firing a half volley over the bar and summer recruit Adil Aouchiche looking threatening down the left hand side at one stage, yet in equal measure they also got out of jail with Dimitar Mitov rushing to clear a Nicky Devlin backpass, and FCSB failing to make Graeme Shinnie pay after the Dons captain was lackadaisical in possession. With just five minutes to go until half time and Aberdeen looking to go into the break with the tie still level, disaster struck in the most frustrating and cruelest of fashions. David Miculescu was sent through and beat the already booked Alexander Jensen to the through ball, falling to the ground and the ball hitting the arm of the Dane. The referee waved play on, but VAR intervened and perhaps unfairly, the referee pointed to the spot and gave Jensen his marching orders, before Darius Olaru tucked away the penalty to give the hosts the lead. With the man advantage, the second half was all FCSB and they quickly made their dominance count. Adrian Sut picked up the ball from outside the area, and he ferociously struck the ball to fire it passed the Bulgarian in the Aberdeen net to double his side’s advantage who looked to be in a rush to make the UEFA Europa League. Just on the hour mark, Aberdeen fans would have been forgiven if they started to watch the game from behind their couches, when Olaru netted his second of the evening with big thanks to a deflection. Fans across Scotland’s minds at this stage would have been fearing the worst for Aberdeen, given what happened to Rangers in their away tie last night, but the Reds stood firm to keep the scoreline at a minimum. It was degree of inevitability that the Dons would end up in the Conference League and so it proved to be in the end, with FCSB taking the win overall. FCSB: Tarnovanu 6, Cretu 7, Ngezana 7, Popescu 7 (Miculescu 3), Radunovic 6, Lixandru 6, Șut 8 (Chriches 2), Miculescu 6, Olaru 9 (Alhassan 5), Tanase 7 (Politic 3), Birligea 6 (Albec 2) Aberdeen: Mitov 4, Devlin 5, Milne 5, Knoester 4, Jensen 2, Palaversa 6 (Yengi 3), Aouchiche 6, Shinnie 5, Keskinen 6 (Milanovic 3), Polvara 5 (Nilsen 4), Sokler 4 (Clarkson 5)

August 28, 2025

Sokler Header Leaves European Play-off in the Balance for Aberdeen

Aberdeen 2 – 2 FCSB Polvara (61′) Sokler (89′) Birligea (32′) Olaru (46′) Aberdeen came from 2-0 down to draw their Europa League first leg against the 10 men of FCSB. Aberdeen enjoyed a comfortable League Cup Victory against Morton on Saturday, and started brightly. Alexander Jensen found space on the right within the opening minutes, but his cross was flicked away before reaching Kusini Yengi in the box. Nicolas Milanovic and Adil Aouchiche have settled well at Pittodrie and linked well on the edge of the box. Milanovic’s resultant strike was blocked, a common theme for Aberdeen’s attacking efforts. For the first 25 minutes, Aberdeen dominated possession and territory, but struggled to translate their control into clear chances. Despite their domestic pedigree, FCSB seemed content to absorb pressure, slowing the game down at every opportunity. Their patience paid off in the 32nd minute when they scored against the run of play. Goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu’s long ball found David Miculescu, who released the star man, Daniel Birligea. The forward finished coolly past goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, giving the visitors a surprising lead. The goal was a blow to Jimmy Thelin’s squad after an encouraging start. The home crowd’s frustrations were further compounded by FCSB’s decision to celebrate as a team rather than quickly returning to the centre circle. Just as FCSB looked to grow into the game, Juri Cisotti was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Milanovic. While the tackle was certainly worthy of a booking, the decision felt harsh, reducing the Romanian side to ten men. Aberdeen attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but continued to lack a cutting edge. Palaversa had a golden opportunity after latching onto a loose ball in the box, but his low shot was saved comfortably. On the left, Topi Keskinen, who had a quiet first half, finally found space to maraud forward, but his cross couldn’t find a teammate. The first half ended with a familiar story for the Dons – plenty of effort but no reward. Things went from bad to worse just seconds into the 2nd half. Miscommunication from Gavin Molloy and Mats Knoester allowed Birligea space to bear down on goal. FCSB’s number 9 turned from scorer to provider, sliding the ball across the goal for Darius Olaru to tap home. Deflation for Aberdeen, who had made three positive changes at halftime. Bucharest almost added to their lead moments later, but Mitov was alert to tip Miculescu’s fierce volley past the post. The Romanians may have been a man down, but they relished the prospect of enduring 45 minutes with a man spare. Aberdeen regained their composure and forced themselves back into the game after 61 minutes. Substitute Dante Polvara spun in the box and unleashed a powerful strike off the post and past Tarnovanu. The introduction of Polvara and Graeme Shinnie injected energy into the home side’s play. Polvara delivered a teasing cross for Ester Sokler moments later, who directed his header past the left-hand post. Sokler had another opening on 72 minutes, Palaversa’s flick on dropped to the Slovenian in the box, but his strike lacked conviction and trickled into the goalkeeper’s grasp. Aberdeen carved out another opening as the game entered the final five minutes. Palaversa’s incisive pass to Jensen was cut back for Keskinen, the Finnish winger’ strike was blocked by the solid Romanian backline. The home side levelled the tie in the 88th minute, Keskinen’s outswinging cross was met by the substitute striker, who made no mistake to head past Tarnovanu. The equaliser warranted Aberdeen’s persistent pressure in the 2nd half, grinding down a persistent and sturdy defence. While they could not force home the winning goal, a spirited comeback leaves the tie in the balance as Aberdeen head to Bucharest next Thursday. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Dorrington (Knoester 46’) Milne, Molloy (Shinnie 59’), Palaversa, Heltne Nilsen (Clarkston 46’), Milanovic (Polvara 58’), Aouchiche, Keskinen, Yengi (Sokler 46’) Bookings: Milanovic 22’ Palaversa 75’ FCSB: Tarnovanu, Cretu, Graovac, M Popescu, Pantea, Sut (Lixandru 72’), Chiriches (Edjouma 46’), Miculescu, F Tanase (Olaru 46’), Cisotti, Birligea. Bookings: Tanase 12’ Crete 39’ Cisotti (Sent Off 38’)

August 21, 2025

Hibs 1–2 Midtjylland: Extra-Time Agony Ends Europa Hopes at Easter Road

Hibernian faced Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland in a crunch Europa League qualifying second leg in Edinburgh this evening. The Hibees went into the match level after a credible 1–1 draw in Herning last week and looked to navigate their way into the third qualifying round. Both sides looking to book advance and earn a tie with Norwegian side Fredrikstad. The Danes had put six past Sønderjyske on Monday, ahead of the tie and were looking to continue that form and silence a sold-out Easter Road. Head coach David Gray named an unchanged side from last week’s first leg. They remained without Lewis Miller, who looks set to head south to Blackburn. Scotland international Grant Hanley was in attendance, rumoured to be the Australian’s replacement in the Hibs backline. First Half The visitors kicked things off shooting toward the Hibernian Block Seven Ultras in the Famous Five Stand. The home crowd were in full voice from the outset, creating a hectic and formidable atmosphere for the four-time Danish champions. Their efforts would pay off, with the hosts creating the early chances and twice forcing Jonas Lössl into saves. Hibs had the ball in the net after just 15 minutes, however the assistant’s flag denied them a memorable early breakthrough. Both sides traded blows for the remainder of the opening half, with Hibs carving out a few promising opportunities. Midtjylland were limited to chances only through some nervy Hibs defending and efforts from range. Stopper Jordan Smith pulled off solid stops and Warren O’Hora making a goal-denying block. It was level at the interval, with everything still to play for as the hosts looked to join fellow Scottish sides Rangers and Dundee United in the next round of European qualification. Second Half The offside rule that had denied Hibs in the first half came to their rescue early in the second. Franculino Djú broke through on the right-hand side of the area and slotted past Smith, but this time it was VAR, not the assistant’s flag, that ruled the opener out and kept the tie level. Smith continued to be the busier of the two keepers in the second half, making multiple stops, while Lössl was reduced to a near spectator. Thomas Thomasberg’s side dominated the second period, but a combination of Smith’s heroics and wasteful finishing kept them from taking the lead. Djú, in particular, will be kicking himself, the Bissau-Guinean striker rounded Smith midway through the half but hesitated, allowing Jack Iredale to nip in and clear before he could slot home. Hibs thought they had won it right at the death when captain Martin Boyle found himself racing through on goal in stoppage time. The Hibs legend squared it to substitute Nicky Cadden for a simple tap-in, but once again the offside ruling came into play to cancel out the would-be opener. And so it remained 0–0. With no away goals rule in European competition anymore, the tie headed into extra time. Extra Time With legs tiring and supporters’ anxiety levels sky-high, the game carried on into extra time here in Leith, both sides desperately searching for a winner. The visitors looked to have found it through Chilean midfielder Darío Osorio, whose long-range strike finally beat the outstanding Smith to send the Danish side on course to face Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad. But Hibs struck back right on the cusp of the extra-time interval, with Rocky Bushiri cementing his place as a Hibs hero by finding the crucial equaliser when his side needed it most. The big central defender wheeled away toward the Main Stand, sparking wild celebrations from all four sides of a packed Easter Road. Both sides would have chances at the death, but nerves and fatigue would finally get to Hibs, a cross from the wide right was turned in spectacularly by Júnior Brumado. Inside the penalty area the unmarked Brazilian got his back down and a great connection on the ball to send his team through to the next round. What’s Next? Midtjylland advance to the next round to face Fredrikstad, while Gray’s men must now regroup for a shot at the UEFA Conference League. They will travel to Belgrade to take on FK Partizan in what promises to be an intimidating affair. The Serbians advanced from their own second-round qualifier with a 6–0 aggregate win over Ukrainian side FC Oleksandriya. Att: 19,556

July 31, 2025

Solid starts in Europe for Dundee United and Hibernian

Dundee United and Hibernian kick started their European campaigns as United defeated Una Strassen 1-0 in their Europa Conference second qualifier and the Hibees got an important 1-1 draw away from home against FC Midtylland in their Europa League second qualifier. FC Midtylland 1-1 Hibernian David Gray’s men had a dream start in Denmark all thanks Jamie McGrath opening the scoring as his free-kick found it’s way into the net from the wide left of the pitch. The Danish side struggled to get to grips at the start, but grew into the game and pulled back an equaliser at the 72nd minute as Aral Simsir slotted away a lovely free-kick. Gray spoke after the game about how proud he was of his side’s performance: “We spoke about deserving the opportunity for how well we played last season and what we achieved last season. “But you need to come to these places and believe you can get a result and I think the way we started the game, every player definitely did that. “We were on the front foot straight away. The first 20 minutes I thought we were excellent. “We had to defend, I thought that was excellent. So really proud of the effort from every single player. “But I’ve just been very quick to remind everyone that it’s only part one, that’s half time in the tie.” Dundee United 1-0 Una Strassen Jim Goodwin’s men played in front of 11,000 people at Tannadice as seven of the nine signings made by the Terrors started the game. New summer signing Zac Sapsford got his United career off to a flying start as his strike went into the bottom left hand corner at the 47th minute. Goodwin’s team were fairly in control and he believes that his side should be in a more comfortable position going into the second leg. He said after the game: “We’re pleased with the clean sheet and we scored a really good goal with a bit of quality and it was a wonderful strike. “I think there are certain elements we need to do better in. We turned over possession far too cheaply which led to counters but defensively we were very good. “There were certainly moments in the game where we need to improve. I thought when we did move the ball quickly and found pockets, we looked a threat but we’ve left at least a couple of goals out there. “Vicko Sevelj had a great chance but credit to the keeper who made a good save. “The disappointment is more the fact we didn’t do ourselves justice in the second half. Our possession on the ball, we didn’t move it quickly enough.“ We were too sloppy and we’ll try to improve those things. It’s still very early days for this group of players but there’s a lot to work on going into next week. “I don’t mean to sound doom and gloom, I’m just disappointed we didn’t make it more comfortable.”

July 25, 2025

European Adventures Begin for Scottish Trio

Rangers, Hibernian, and Dundee United kick off their European qualification campaigns this week. Rangers welcome Panathinaikos to Ibrox, Hibernian travel to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland, and United host Luxembourg’s UNA Strassen. Greek Test in Martin’s First Competitive Match Russell Martin’s appointment has split the Rangers fanbase, some welcome his free-flowing style whilst others question his pedigree in taking the Ibrox’s top job. Tuesday’s match against Greek side Panathinaikos promises to be a baptism of fire for the former Southampton manager. Panathinaikos mirrored Rangers’ domestic performance last season, securing a second-place finish. Their recent European adventures saw them participate in the UEFA Conference League, where they finished 13th in the group stage before a pulsating Round of 16 clash that saw them narrowly lose 5-4 on aggregate to Fiorentina. For the Ibrox faithful, this encounter with Panathinaikos may stir fond memories. Their last meeting, in the 2008 UEFA Cup, saw Nacho Novo net an 81st-minute equaliser to send Rangers through on away goals. This tie was pivotal in Rangers’ memorable run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final, ultimately ending in a 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester. Victory for Rangers would promote them to the third round of Champions League qualification, where they will meet Czech side Viktoria Plzen or Switzerland’s Servette. Defeat for Martin’s side would present a challenging draw against Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League third qualifying round. Danish Giants Await Gray’s Hibernian David Gray was the interim manager for Hibs’ last European match – a Conference League clash against Aston Villa. This season, they face another stern test against Danish giants FC Midtjylland. FC Midtjylland narrowly missed out on their domestic title, finishing one point adrift of champions FC Copenhagen. Their prior visits to Scotland have yielded mixed results: a 7-3 aggregate defeat to Rangers in the Europa League qualifiers and a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 24th in Denmark, with the decisive second leg taking place in Leith on July 31st. Victory of Midtjylland would present another Scandinavian challenge for Hibs, taking on Norway’s Fredrikstad in the Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round. Defeat would relegate them to the UEFA Conference League 3rd Round, where they would face Ukraine’s FC Oleksandriya or Serbia’s FK Partizan. European Reward for Jim Goodwin’s Men Following an impressive 4th place finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership, Dundee United’s season preparations are in full swing. Draws with Arbroath, St Johnstone, and Oldham, with a trip to the Netherlands in between, they welcome Luxembourg’s UNA Strassen on Thursday evening. Their UEFA Conference League 2nd round qualifier is the Arabs’ first continental outing since their memorable (albeit forgettable) 7-1 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar in 2022. Victory over Strassen will pit Goodwin’s team against Decic of Montenegro or Rapid Vienna of Austria.

July 22, 2025