Celtic, the first British team to win the European Cup, have been paired against Icelandic side Stjarnan in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, after the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday.
The Scottish champions, who upset Inter Milan to win the tournament for the first time in 1967, will be expected to ease past the side from Garoabaer – “Garden City” in Icelandic – when they meet in a two-legged tie next month.
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Ronny Deila’s men, who won the Scottish title for the fourth year running last season, welcome Stjarnan to Celtic Park for the first leg on July 14 or 15 before travelling to Reykjavik for the second leg a week later (July 21 or 22).
Stjarnan, who are featuring in the preliminary round for the first time in their history, are best known for their cult following on Youtube where their players post funny goal celebrations.
It’s less than three months until the main group stage draw (August 27), featuring Europe’s biggest clubs like 10-time winners Real Madrid, five-time champions Bayern Munich and holders Barcelona.
The complete result of the 2015/16 #UCL first & second qualifying round draws… Most interesting match? #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/5xZ6JZftdP
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The winner between Celtic and Stjarnan will have to negotiate two further rounds to enter the group stage, with teams like Monaco – last year’s surprise quarter-finalists – possible opponents in the third qualifying round.
The final hurdle is the play-off round, which contains teams such as three-time winners Manchester United and two-time runners-up Valencia. Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A club Lazio are among the other possible opponents in that round.
The Bhoys failed to make the group stage last year after falling to a surprise 2-1 aggregate loss to Slovenian side NK Maribor in the play-off round.
Stjarnan have played Scottish opposition before – beating Motherwell 5-4 on aggregate in the second qualifying round of the Europa League last season.
