Who are Dundalk's possible Champions League opponents if they beat BATE Borisov in the third qualifying round?
There is still one question on the lips of optimistic Dundalk supporters. Who are Dundalk's possible Champions League opponents if they can get past the third round?
Dundalk lost 1-0 to BATE Borisov tonight. The display in Belarus wouldn't encourage optimism. It was a nervy performance. But it still gives them a chance next week.
The Irish champions can count themselves lucky the margin isn't steeper. Also, they will surely be motivated by thoughts of revenge for last season.
If they win 2-0, what happens then?
Well, first off, they are lucky to be placed in the Champions Route draw. This is the pot reserved for national champions. At present, there is a separate strand of qualifiers known as the League Route.
In the third qualifying round, there are ten Champions Route ties. And there are five League Route ties.
The winners of the Champions Route ties face off against each other. Therefore, Dundalk can only be drawn with the winners of the other Champions Route ties.
By contrast, the League Route tie winners face the five third and fourth placed teams from Europe's strongest Leagues.
Judging from results tonight and likely winners tomorrow, Dundalk's could draw one of these sides.
Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic, Olympiacos, Red Bull Salzburg, Red Star Belgrade, Viktoria Plzen, Qarabag FK, Legia Warsaw, Astana, APOEL, Rosenberg, Ludogerets, Copenhagen.
The last obstacle to Dundalk reaching the Champions League group stage will be provided by one of these teams. The glamour tie would be Celtic. An opponent like unheralded Qarabag FK might allow them to dream.
All this will prove immaterial if Dundalk don't beat the Belarus champions by the required margin next week.
