Champions League: Celtic handed tough qualifying path after Slavia Prague draw
If Neil Lennon's men beat CFR Cluj over two legs in the third qualifying round, they will face Czech champions Slavia Prague next
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Celtic have been handed one of the toughest paths possible if they are to secure their return to the Champions League group stages.
If Neil Lennon's men beat CFR Cluj over two legs in the third qualifying round, they will face Czech champions Slavia Prague next.
The potential clash with last year's Europa League quarter-finalists was one they will have wanted to avoid at Monday's draw in Nyon.
Slavia pushed Chelsea close in two games last year, losing 1-0 at home before a 4-3 defeat at Stamford Bridge saw them bow out 5-3 on aggregate.
For the time being Celtic's minds are firmly focused on Cluj, who they face in the first leg in Romania on Wednesday.
If Celtic overcome Cluj, they will be at least guarantee a place in the Europa League group stages should they be defeated by Slavia.
If last year's semi-finalists Ajax overcome PAOK Salonika, they will face either Apoel of Cyprus or Qarabag of Azerbaijan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments