Europa League Qualifiers: Sturm and Salzburg Learn Possible Opponents

The draw for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League took place in Nyon on Monday.

It also became interesting for two Austrian representatives: Sturm Graz and Salzburg.

While the "Bulls" will definitely enter the third Europa League qualifying round, Sturm would only switch from Champions League qualification to Europa League qualification in the event of an exit against Hearts of Midlothian (first leg, Tuesday, from 8:30 PM in the LIVE ticker).

Sturm would face a trip to Istanbul or Poland in the third Champions League qualifying round >>>

Salzburg Faces Trip to Croatia or Cyprus

FC Salzburg will face the winner of the pairing between Hajduk Split (CRO) and Pafos FC (CYP) in the third Europa League qualifying round.

If SK Sturm has to bury its Champions League dream already against Hearts of Midlothian, the "Blackies" will meet the winner of the clash between St. Gallen (SUI) and Benfica Lisbon (POR) in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

Match dates are August 6 (first leg) and August 13 (second leg). Both Salzburg and Sturm would have to play the first leg away, with the second leg at home.

Advancement Would Mean Group Stage

For both Sturm and Salzburg, the following applies: If the two Austrian clubs progress beyond the third Europa League qualifying round, they will proceed to the playoff (the final qualifying round).

Should they exit in the Europa League playoff, they would at least have secured participation in the UEFA Conference League group stage.

In the event of an exit in the third Europa League qualifying round, Salzburg and Sturm would drop into the UEFA Conference League playoff and would thus still have to battle for a guaranteed spot in a group stage.