Liverpool to face Hoffenheim, Celtic to play Astana in Champions League play-offs
By Sky Sports News
Liverpool face a tricky test against German side Hoffenheim
Liverpool have been drawn against Hoffenheim while Celtic face Kazakhstan side Astana in the Champions League play-off round.
will return to his native Germany, while striker Roberto Firmino will face his former club.
Liverpool are competing in European football's premier competition for only the second time in eight seasons after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term.
Coached by 30-year-old Julian Nagelsmann - the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues - Hoffenheim finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season.
Hoffenheim had the second-best defensive record in the division and only champions Bayern Munich suffered fewer defeats.
Celtic's reward for their third qualifying round victory over Rosenborg of Norway is to once again make the near 8,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan and play Astana, who they beat in the third qualifying round last season.
The first legs will be played on August 15 and 16, with the return fixtures on August 22 and 23.
No comments: