Benfica drawn to play Fenerbahce in Champions League

Nyon: Two-time European champions Benfica have been drawn against Fenerbahce in the Champions League third qualifying round.

As runner-up in the Portuguese league last season, Benfica fell into the qualifying rounds because Russia’s league is now ranked more highly and has three entries.

Spartak Moscow, who are placed third in Russia last season, were drawn on Monday to play PAOK Thessaloniki or Basel, who play their second qualifying round games this week and next.

Four-time European champions Ajax must beat Sturm Graz to play Standard Liege in the third qualifying round.

Also, Celtic or Rosenborg will take on AEK Athens, and Slavia Prague meets Dynamo Kiev.

First-leg games are played August 7-8, and return games are August 14.

Winners advance to the Champions League playoff round.