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The Old Firm Champions League play-off opponents have been confirmed

Scottish champions Celtic have been drawn against Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan in their Champions League play-off tie, while Glasgow rivals Rangers will face RB Salzburg.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side reached the knockout round play-off stage of the competition last season from the 36-team league phase, where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to German giants Bayern Munich.

FC Kairat, from Almaty, are champions of the Kazakhstan Premier League. Despite their domestic success, the club have never made the group or league phase in any competition.

Russell Martin’s side, who reached the play-offs with a 4-2 aggregate win over Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, will take on the Belgian side Club Brugge in their play-off clash.

Club Brugge finished second in the Belgian League last season and reached the last-16 of the Champions League before losing 6-1 on aggregate to Aston Villa.

The Blue and Black entered their match with Salzburg with a 1-0 advantage after an away victory.

However, it was level on aggregate, with Salzburg 2-1 up on the night.

Late goals from Carlos Forbs and Hans Vanaken, in the 83rd and 94th minutes respectively, ensured Brugge’s place in the play-off round.

Rangers will now have to overcome the Belgian giants to secure their spot in the UCL.

The play-offs are the last round of qualifying matches before the “competition proper” begins in September with the league phase, with ties taking place in the weeks of 18/19 August and 26/27 August.

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