Rangers could be set to face a massive Champions League boost following their recent Europa League victory over Red Star Belgrade.
The reason is that with Scotland sitting in the ninth spot in the UEFA coefficient table, the nearest country that could potentially catch us is Serbia.
With Red Star and Partizan Belgrade both suffering defeats to the Gers and Feyenoord respectively, Scotland is almost certain to end the season in the coveted ninth position, which will guarantee automatic Champions League qualification for the next two seasons.
Rangers receive massive Champions League boost following Europa League victory
With the news that Russian teams are banned from European competitions for the rest of this season, Scotland only needed to worry about the two remaining Serbian sides.
As mentioned, their two defeats put us in a major poll position ahead of next week.
Scotland currently has a coefficient score of 35.300, with Serbia sitting in 11th place on 32.875 in what looks like an unassailable lead.
Yet again, it is down to Rangers to carry the nation’s UEFA coefficient, with the Ibrox side claiming some memorable results over the previous three seasons to drag Scotland up from the dirt and to the promised land of the Champions League.
Another positive aspect ahead of next season is the woeful 2017/2018 campaign will be struck from the coefficient, as it is only based on the previous five seasons.
This was the season that featured Rangers losing to Progrès and Celtic being thumped in what felt like every Champions League tie.
This could be the start of a new dawning for Scottish football, with not only the Old Firm benefitting, but for teams that finish in third and fourth, there is potential for automatic Europa League and Conference League spots.
It will be interesting to see what thanks Rangers get for our continental success, although I wouldn’t hold my breath.
