Celtic and Motherwell learn of Champions League opponents

Published on 20/07/2012 13:45

Celtic will face Scandinavian opposition in the third qualifying round of the Champions League while Motherwell face a tough test against Greek opposition.

• Celtic will play either Finnish side HJK Helsinki or Icelandic team KR Reykjavik

• Motherwell to face Panathinaikos

The Finnish side, who Celtic narrowly beat 3-2 on aggregate in the 2000-01 Uefa Cup, are 7-0 ahead after the first leg against KR.

The first leg of the tie will be played at Celtic Park on 31 July.

HJK won their 24th Finnish league title in 2011, and currently sit second in the table after 17 matches of the current campaign.

Motherwell will play the first leg of their tie against Panathinaikos at Fir Park.

The first legs will be played across July 31 and August 1, with the return legs contested a week later.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon and captain Scott Brown have already targeted reaching the group stages of the tournament with others suggesting it is a necessity given the lack of Old Firm matches for the foreseeable future.

Motherwell’s Champions League opportunity stemmed from the demise of oldco Rangers and the rejection of Charles Green’s newco club into the SPL but Stuart McCall’s side will go into their clash as underdogs.