Schalke Learn Playoff Fate
FC Schalke 04 were seeded in the draw for the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.The Royal Blues' strong showings on the European stage in recent seasons were crucial to the decision, as their amassed points total in the coefficient ranking system worked in their favour, meaning they could not be drawn against fellow continental giants FC Arsenal or AC Milan.
Instead they were drawn against Pacos of Portugal who were unseeded in the draw.I n the 2012–13 season, they surprisingly qualified for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League play-offs for the first time in their history after achieving 3rd place in the league by passing favourites Braga and Sporting CP, making it their highest finish ever. The club were managed that season by Paulo Fonseca, who left at the end to join FC Porto, and was replaced by Costinha.
The origin of the club dates back to the 1930s, when it was named Sport Club Pacense. They played for two decades without any official recognition until they entered the lower divisions in 1950, under the name Futebol Clube Vasco da Gama. The club then changed their kit colours to the current ones and renamed themselves Futebol Clube Paços de Ferreira.
Their first match under the current name came on 19 November 1950, beating A.D. Lousada 2–1. Agostinho Alves was the first goal scorer in the history of the Pacenses. The club then played in Portugal's third regional division until the 1956–57 season, where they were crowned champions. The club crest was created in 1961–62, and was used ever since.
The club was relegated and then promoted again and supporters hit the streets of the city on 17 June 1973 when they defeated Perosinho 3–0. One year later, they won the third division championship on 14 June 1974, after defeating Estrela de Portalegre. The hero of the game was the goalscorer Mascarenhas.
The Other Draws where as follows:
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Lyon v RB Salzburg
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PSV v Arsenal
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Milan v PAOK
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Sociedad v Zenit