Champions League upset creates potential for Hajduk-Crvena Zvezda Europa League playoff

An unexpected outcome in the Champions League qualifiers has significantly reshuffled the seeding for the Europa League playoffs, potentially opening a path for a clash between Croatian club Hajduk and Serbian champion Crvena Zvezda. Hajduk is on the cusp of reaching the third qualifying round of the Europa League, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg against Pafos. Should they overcome Austrian side Salzburg in the next round, they are guaranteed a spot in the European autumn season, at least in the Conference League group stage if they lose the Europa League playoff. The seismic shift in European club football seeding occurred after Aarhus defeated Lech Poznan in the Champions League qualifiers. This result has made the winner of the Crvena Zvezda and Hapoel Beer Sheva tie a non-seeded team in the Champions League playoff round, implying a tougher opponent. If Hajduk successfully navigates past both Pafos and Salzburg, they would be seeded in the Europa League playoff, potentially facing Crvena Zvezda if the Serbian club is eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers. Other potential opponents for Hajduk include clubs like Thun, Lillestrom, St. Truiden, and Trabzonspor.