Chelsea, Rangers, Hearts and More Discover Fate in UEFA Draws

Chelsea's Anticipation in the UEFA Conference League

Chelsea Football Club finds itself in a new territory this season, having been drawn to face either Braga or Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off round. This marks a significant moment for the team, as they did not participate in any European competitions last season and are entering the Conference League for the first time in the 2024/25 season.

Match Details

Braga and Servette are set to clash in Portugal this Thursday night, where they will compete in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. The return match is scheduled for August 15th in Switzerland. The stakes are high, as the loser of this tie will drop into the Conference League to face Chelsea.

The upcoming fixtures for Chelsea are:

• First leg vs Braga/Servette: August 22 at Stamford Bridge
• Return leg: August 29

Rangers' Journey in the Champions League

In other notable news, Rangers have their sights set on facing RB Salzburg or FC Twente in the Champions League play-off round. Their journey begins with a challenging match against Dynamo Kyiv, with the first leg taking place in Poland on August 6, followed by the return leg on August 13.

Key dates for Rangers:

• First leg against Dynamo Kyiv: August 6
• Return fixture: August 13
• Potential Champions League play-off: Home match on August 20/21
• Return leg: August 27/28

Adapting to Unfavorable Conditions

Dynamo Kyiv is currently playing its home matches in Poland due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Rangers are using Hampden Park as their home ground due to delays in preparations at Ibrox Stadium.

Hearts and the Europa League Challenge

Hearts will also be seeking their fortune as they get ready to face the winners of FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih or FC Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League play-off round. After securing a strong position by finishing third in the Scottish Premiership last season, they found themselves in a favorable position for European group-stage football.

Important dates for Hearts:

• Play-off first leg: August 22 (Away)
• Return fixture: August 29 at Tynecastle Park

Other Clubs in the Conference League Play-Offs

Kilmarnock will face Copenhagen or FC Banik Ostrava in the Conference League play-off round if they emerge victorious against Tromso of Norway. Unfortunately, they dropped down to the Conference League after a tough match resulting in a loss to Cercle Brugge.

St Mirren, on the other hand, is up against Romania's CS Corvinul 1921 Hunedoara or FC Astana of Kazakhstan in the upcoming play-offs, contingent upon their success against Brann. Both Kilmarnock and St Mirren play their third-round qualifiers at home on August 8, with second legs next Thursday.

Final Remarks

The upcoming fixtures in European football promise excitement and challenges for Chelsea, Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock, and St Mirren. Fans eagerly await these matches as teams vie for glory on the continental stage.