It has been a season like no other in Scotland, as the likes of Celtic, Hearts, Rangers, Motherwell, and Hibernian were at the heart of it all.
In the end, it was Celtic lifting the domestic double, yet again, heartbreak for Hearts, same old story from Rangers, Hibernian maintaining Europe and Motherwell preparing to book their European trips.
Celtic’s Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday had a big bearing on where everyone fits in on the European stage, because had Neil Lennon’s men won, then the Championship side would have been preparing for the Europa League qualifiers.
Instead, David Gray’s Hibernian, who finished fifth in the league this season, were due to miss out on Europe, but have now benefited because of Celtic’s triumph at Hampden.
DOUBLE COMPLETE 🏆🏆 GIVE US YOUR INSTANT REACTION TO THE SCOTTISH CUP FINAL WIN 👇
Celtic comfortably beat Dunfermline in the final!
European places confirmed for Scottish teams
In total, Scotland has five teams in Europe next season, and everyone will have to go through qualifying.
That’s because Scottish football’s coefficient has taken a massive hit in recent years, and it will get even worse next season.
Nonetheless, the champions of Scotland and Derek McInnes’ Hearts have a chance of playing Champions League football next term.
- Celtic – Champions League play-off round
- Hearts – Champions League second qualifying round
While those at Ibrox, who were the favourites to lift the title before the post-split fixtures, but proceeded to lose four out of their five matches, will be aiming for a Europa League run.
- Rangers – Europa League third qualifying round
In the meantime, Motherwell, who have lost their manager Jens Berthel Askou to Toulouse, will be aiming to play Conference League football, alongside those from Easter Road.
- Motherwell and Hibernian – Conference League second qualifying round
The dates you need to know, Celtic fans…
The start of qualifying for the Champions League begins on July 7; the World Cup will still be going on then, so it just goes to show what some teams have to go through in order to reach Europe’s biggest stage.
Thankfully, the Hoops, who are yet to decide their next manager, don’t enter the picture until August 18/19, for the first leg, and then the second leg will take place on August 25/26.
Celtic need to avoid a Kairat Almaty repeat, because that loss played a huge part in this current campaign descending into chaos as it did.
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