Our old friend the Champions League is very much in play for Celtic again next season, with an easier route than we’ve become accustomed to – if we win the Scottish Premiership, that is.
Previously, Celtic have had to negotiate tricky qualifying rounds before the tournament proper. Unfortunately – largely due to bad planning and late transfer business – the Champions League music has only had a brief airing at Celtic Park in recent years.
That could change soon, however. And it’s all down to league positions of the teams competing in the Champions League at this stage, that could have a major effect on Celtic. Unless a team who wouldn’t qualify automatically through their league for next season wins the Champions League this season, that is.
The quarter finalists are Spain’s Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Real Madrid, England are represented by Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, Germany have Bayern Munich competing, and it’s Benfica flying the Portuguese flag in the Champions League [UEFA].
Here’s the deal: it’s all about league standings. Liverpool and Manchester City are all but guaranteed a top 4 spot in the Premier League. That means they’d qualify automatically through their league placing. As would Chelsea, provided they stay in third.
Real Madrid are atop of La Liga [Sky Sports]. Bayern Munich are, natürlich, leading the pack in the Bundesliga.
Spain, Italy, England and Germany’s top 4 all automatically qualify due to their coefficient. Benfica would need to finish top 2 in Portugal, but they’re third [BBC]. Villarreal, meanwhile, are 7th in Spain’s top flight.
Essentially, you need to root for anyone but Villarreal, Benfica or Atletico Madrid, unless the latter can secure a top 4 place (Betis are snapping at their heels). Hat tip to Hamish Carton of this parish for his handy explainer on Twitter.
Celtic fans have enough anxiety about with a gruelling schedule ahead, but a Champions League picture is handy
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.
Celtic still have it all to do in the Scottish Premiership before we start booking tickets for Champions League games. There’s the small matter of actually winning the league, first. We know far, far better than to assume.
The Hoops, who’ll welcome back David Turnbull and Kyogo Furuhashi before too long, have an excellent squad for the domestic challenges ahead. There are a litany of options for Ange to choose from, with a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden also on the horizon.
So, there’s that. But, knowing our luck, it’s entirely feasible that Benfica or Villarreal win the Champions League. If the Portuguese giants take a guaranteed European place and Jota back off us… well, you dread to think.
Whatever the case, it’s helpful to know the path that’s there for us. Also, it adds some stakes to the Champions League for Celtic supporters. Perhaps you have a soft spot for one of the teams involved, just don’t tell anyone about it.
It might feel incongruous to be against the underdogs in this scenario. Still, needs must, with a whole lot of Champions League money heading Celtic’s way if Ange’s Bhoys can keep their end of the bargain.
Read more: David Turnbull spotted back in Celtic training after 3 month absence
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