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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Celtic and Rangers Europa League playoff dates revealed as clubs hit with gruelling schedule ahead of Ibrox derby

It's taken a long time to get here, but Celtic and Rangers are both one tie away from reaching the Europa League proper.

Both sides started their Euro campaigns with ambitions of reaching the Champions League but Midtjylland and Malmo put paid to their respective dreams.

It means they have to settle for a place in Europe's second tier and after Celtic's convincing win over Jablonec on Thursday, we now know who both will be facing.

Ange Postecoglou's team take on Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar, with the first leg coming at Parkhead on August 18.

That's 24 hours before Rangers host Alashkert, who head to Ibrox for the first leg.

Both sides are then in Premiership action on Sunday before the second legs on Thursday August 26.

That's a particular concern for Steven Gerrard's side whose 5,000 mile round trip to Armenia comes just 72 hours before the first Old Firm derby of the season on Sunday August 29.

But they do have a slight kick-off time advantage as their second leg kicks off at 4pm.

Celtic vs AZ Alkmaar - Wednesday August 18 - 8pm

Rangers vs Alashkert - Thursday August 19 - 8pm

AZ Alkmaar vs Celtic - Thursday August 26 - 7.15pm

Alashkert vs Rangers - Thursday August 26 - 4pm

Do you want an exclusive pre-season Celtic preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season Rangers preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

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