Hibs and Glasgow learn Women's Champions League opponents
Hibs were surprise winners of the Scottish Women's Premier League last season
- Published
Scottish champions Hibernian will face Danish title winners Fortuna Hjorring in the second round of Women's Champions League qualifying, while Glasgow City take on Austria Vienna.
Hibs, who were shock title winners on a dramatic final day of the SWPL season, know the prize for overcoming Fortuna would be a tie against the winners of the match between Cypriot champions Apollon Ladies and Swiss title holders Young Boys.
Glasgow City, who finished as runners-up in the SWPL, three points behind Hibs, take on Austria Vienna for the right to play Minsk.
The unusual second-round qualifying format involves teams being grouped together for mini-tournaments at yet-to-be-determined venues.
Semi-finals and a final are played, with the winners of each group progressing to the third qualifying round, which is the last stage before the new 18-team league phase.
The second-round qualifying semi-finals are to be played on 27 August, with finals and third-place play-offs to follow three days later.
Runners-up and third-place sides in each group drop into qualifying for the new Europa Cup.
Hibs, who were unseeded in the draw, are competing in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League for the first time since the 2019-20 season after their surprise title win last term.
"Obviously, it's going to be tough opposition no matter who we got," midfielder Kirsten Reilly said.
"[Fortuna]They're a very strong team in their own league, but we're really looking forward to it and excited for the challenge.
"I mean, we've already surprised people by winning the league, so why not do it again? We are confident in our own ability, so we just need to take the same game we played last season into the Champions League and hopefully it'll work there as well."
Glasgow City assistant manager Leanne Crichton told BBC Scotland it is "super exciting" for the club to be back at the top table and taking on Vienna.
The former quarter-finalists secured a spot in the Champions League by beating Hearts on the final day to leapfrog Rangers into second place.
"For the club, there's been a real anticipation around the draw and waiting for the news to come through," she said.
"I'm delighted to be back and a top opponent to look forward to playing against.
"Our team from last season will probably look different if they're looking to analyse us and try and prepare for the team that they're going to come up against.
"Similarly, I'm sure it will be the same for us but it's absolutely getting your teeth into it and trying to find out as much as you possibly can."
Fixtures
Hibernian v Fortuna Hjorring - 27 August (venue & kick off tbc)
Glasgow City v Austria Vienna - 27 August (venue & kick off tbc)
Hibernian/Fortuna Hjorring v Apollon/Young Boys - 30 August
Glasgow City/Austria Vienna v FC Minsk - 30 August