Rangers continue to carry the flag for Scotland yet again in European competition following the 6-4 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League playoff round to set up a last 16 tie against Red Star Belgrade.
Coupled with the fact Celtic were knocked out of the Conference League (meaning they were defeated in all three UEFA competitions this season) then it is left up to the Ibrox side to keep a stern grip on that crucial ninth position in the coefficient table which should give the league winners a spot in the Champions League group stages next season.
Rangers’ success over the previous three seasons has single-handedly dragged Scotland out of the mud and so near to the promised land.
Rangers Europa League success continues to boost Scotland’s UEFA coefficient
With Scotland ninth on the table with a score of 34.900, we are currently being chased by Russia and Serbia.
Russia currently sits at tenth place with a score of 34.482 whereas Serbia is eleventh with 32.875 being their most updated score.
There is still a chance for either of them to leapfrog Scotland, but this would mean that Spartak Moscow and Red Star (who Rangers play in the next round) would have to do better than the Gers.
Spartak are the only Russian side left in Europe, whereas Red Star is joined by Partizan Belgrade who will play in the Conference League, where points scored are of slightly lower value.
If everything goes to plan, then Rangers should secure the coveted ninth spot for Scotland which will give the country a massive European boost. Plus, as of next season, the results from 2017/2018 will be wiped, which featured the Gers losing to Progrès, another timely bonus.
The league remains the priority, let’s hope we don’t gain all these points for the cause and not win the Scottish Premiership to qualify for the Champions League next season, it would be such a waste.
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