When is Rangers’ Champions League playoff round draw, who can they face and what happens if they lose to Viktoria Plzen?

RUSSELL MARTIN told Rangers fans in midweek that victory over Panathinaikos gives the club a chance to really “attack” the Champions League.

And the next stage in that journey will be mapped out this Monday, even before his side take to the field for their third qualifying round clash against Viktoria Plzen.

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The good news for the Ibrox men is that, unlike the previous round, is that their name will only be in ONE draw when the ceremony is made in Nyon.

That’s because victory over the Greeks GUARANTEES Rangers Europa League group phase football at worst.

But it’s the Champions League that Rangers really want – with the chance to rake in a cool £40m from their involvement in the club’s new look glamour club competition for the first time.

First up it is a Plzen side under the charge of wily veteran coach Miroslav Koubek who have achieved some remarkable results in Europe in recent years.

But the bad news for Martin and his men is that things don’t get any easier – with some massive teams still lying in wait in the playoff round, then the Gers are unseeded.

Celtic too will see their name pulled from the hat from the first time, with the Hoops having five potential opponents in the ‘Champions Path’.

But here’s everything you need to know about the draw from a Rangers perspective.

When is Rangers’ Champions League playoff round draw?

• Rangers will learn their Champions League play-off round draw fate this Monday, August 4
• It gets under way at 11am
• The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon

Is Rangers’ Champions League playoff round draw on TV and can I live stream it?

• The draw will be streamed live on Uefa.com
• Alternatively you can follow it all on SunSport’s live blog

Will Rangers be seeded and who can they face in the Champions League play-off round?

• Rangers will be UNSEEDED for the play-off round draw
• There’s two options for Russell Martin’s side – they’ll either face the winners of Nice vs Benfica, or the winners of Club Brugge vs Red Bull Salzburg
• The Ibrox side drew 2-2 with Club Brugge in a pre-season friendly under Russell Martin
• The first legs will be played on 19/20 August 2025 with the second legs 26/27 August 2025

What happens if Rangers LOSE to Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round

• Rangers drop directly into the Europa League group phase
• That guarantees them EIGHT matches

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