Dundee United could not have asked for much better.
That’s not to say the Tangerines can take anything for granted when they cross swords with UNA Strassen of Luxembourg.
Just ask Rangers, who were humbled by Progres Neiderkorn in 2017.
Or Aberdeen, who lost the second leg against Fola Esch in 2016 1-0, leaving them clinging on to their 3-1 advantage from Pittodrie.
There is clearly a bit of talent in this tiny nation.
Nevertheless, compared to potential ties against sides from Croatia or Macedonia, United can be satisfied with a wonderful opportunity to progress in Europe for the first time since 1997.
Here, Courier Sport profiles the Terrors’ first – and hopefully not last – continental opponents of 2025/26
UNA Strassen’s ranking
UNA Strassen come into the season fresh from a second-place finish in the Luxembourg top-flight, albeit 18 points adrift of league winners Differdange 03.
They are, on paper, the easiest team United could have been paired with (assuming all of the seeded sides progress from the first qualifying round), with only Spaeri Tbilisi of Georgia possessing a lower Uefa coefficient in Wednesday’s draw.
The “Power Rankings” of global stats giant Opta (above) makes for slightly better reading for the minnows, placing them ahead of the likes of La Fiorita, St Joseph’s and Cliftonville, who were among the Tangerines’ potential opponents.
Nevertheless, they are 768 places behind United in those standings.
What is UNA Strassen’s European pedigree?
Limited, and painful.
They have only competed in continental competition once before – last season – and were hammered 5-0 on aggregate by Finnish outfit KuPS.
They did, however, claim a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
The one to watch: Matheus Souza
Brazilian marksman Matheus Souza, an arrival from Maltese side Floriana last summer, enjoyed a blistering campaign in his maiden season in Luxembourg.
Souza, 31, notched 27 goals in 36 games in all competitions – and finished as the top-flight’s joint top scorer. With stints in Portugal and Brazil under his belt, the experienced forward will be one to watch.
Zachary Hadji, the son of former Morocco star Mustapha, and Nicolas Perez contributed 13 goals apiece, adding to that attacking threat.
Amine Zenadji, pictured above, is another direct forward who will seek to give the Tangerines something to think about.
Denis Agovic captains the side in the heart of defence.
The manager: Stefano Bensi
UNA Strassen are bossed by Stefano Bensi, a former Luxembourg international striker who was capped 55 times for his country.
He was appointed to the role in November 2024 following a stint in the Fola Esch dugout and has proved a massive success in his short tenure to date.
As a player, Bensi lined up against Aberdeen for Fola Esch nine years ago.
Where will the game take place?
UNA Strassen are unlikely to host the match at their usual home base of the Complexe Sportif Jean Wirtz.
As of Wednesday afternoon, discussions were ongoing regarding potential venues for the fixture.
Strassen welcomed KuPS to the Stade Municipal in Differdange last season – around 15 miles southwest of Luxembourg’s eponymous capital, with a capacity of 2,400 – which could prove to be an option once more.
Conversation