Hearts return to Champions League qualifying for the first time in two decades after finishing as Scottish Premiership runners-up. The Edinburgh side enters at the second qualifying round and will face either Fenerbahce or Sturm Graz on July 21/22. Derek McInnes appears set to depart for Rangers before these ties, creating uncertainty for the club's European campaign.

Hibernian and Motherwell discovered their potential Conference League opponents in Wednesday's draw. Despite finishing fifth, Hibs are seeded and could meet Croatian side Varazdin or winners from ties involving Albanian, Welsh, Luxembourg, and Georgian clubs. Motherwell, who finished fourth, are unseeded and face teams including FC Copenhagen and HJK Helsinki.

Both clubs aim to progress beyond last season's efforts. Motherwell's new manager will seek to avoid the embarrassment of their 2020 exit to Sligo Rovers, while Hibs coach David Gray targets improvement after losing to Legia Warsaw in the play-off round. Hearts could face Union Saint-Gilloise later in the competition, creating an interesting subplot given both clubs' connection to Jamestown Analytics and Brighton owner Tony Bloom's multi-club ownership strategy.

The draws provide clear pathways for all three clubs, though significant obstacles remain before any European football begins. Hearts' return to continental competition represents their best opportunity to reach the group stages since their 2005-06 campaign.