Celtic have Rangers to thank for getting on base and should be secretly hoping rivals avoid a European strikeout

Daily Record

22-07-2025

Hoops fans will lap it up if Russell Martin's men are emptied from every European competition but it could make life harder
The Celtic squad might be taking a scenic walk along the banks of beautiful Lake Como in Italy tonight.
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But they should be secretly cheering on their old chums Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers.
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Now, Celtic fans will be currently spluttering in their tea at the suggestion of wanting their fierce foes to win any game.
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But it doesn't get away from the fact it would be good for Celtic to have Rangers occupied in Europe every week – and preferable in the big boys playground of the Champions League group stage.
There are probably Hoops punters who would be doing jigs and lighting fireworks if Gers got dumped out of the Champions League, then Europa and Conference Leagues before the groups even get going.
But that shouldn't be a laughing matter.
Rangers are in a rebuild right now and it's going to take time. Europe has been a major source of income – and joy – for Gers over the years.
Yet this season it's a distraction. They need to get their act together on the home front for once and then go from there.
Europe will put an even bigger strain on their squad and allow Celtic the space to get their own side in order and compete on several fronts.
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Of course, most folk associated with Celtic will say they don't give a jot about what happens across the city and the more misery the other lot suffer the better.
It's fair enough. That's how rivalry works and there's nothing wrong with taking delight in the suffering of the other side. Football is built on tribalism.
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But bigger picture stuff it's not actually a good thing.
And it's also not good for Celtic if Rangers do suffer three strikes and out in Europe.
In case anyone at Parkhead hasn't noticed, a lot of the impressive work done by Gers in Europe helped them get direct entry into the Champions League group stages for three years on the bounce.
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It's not like Celtic have been hoovering up the coefficient points all over the shop and the way it's going, it's going to get a lot tougher in the next few years unless our clubs get wired right in and sharpish.
And that's another reason why Celts should be hoping their blues brothers do the business.
The early part of the season is going to be absolutely crucial and getting off to a flier is key.
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Last season Celts hit the ground running while Philip Clement was staggering around Hampden and talking about the real Rangers arriving in October.
By that stage the title was already in the bag.
Brendan Rodgers knows it as well and that's why he's got his side putting the foot down in pre-season.
He'll never admit to cheering on his rivals but deep down he'll know that Rangers being occupied in Europe – and perhaps boosting the coefficient in the process – can only be good for business at his club.