Champions League qualifier importance laid bare in Rangers Euro route
The club faces the Champions League second qualifying round early next season, followed by two more rounds to reach the league phase.
If they lose, Rangers would enter the Europa League qualifiers, making their path to the group stage more challenging.
An exit at the Europa League third qualifying round would see them drop into the Conference League play-offs for a chance at the group stage.
Rangers will be seeded for their Champions League qualifier due to their strong coefficient score and will face one of Panathinaikos, SK Brann, or Servette.
Victory would see them advance to the third qualifying round, while a defeat would significantly hamper their chances of European group stage football.
The draw system in the competition means Rangers' coefficient ranking will be used for the third qualifying round, whether they qualify or not.
This would place them as a seeded team if they progress in the Champions League.
However, a loss would likely see them as an unseeded side in the Europa League third qualifying round.
This would open the possibility of facing teams like Braga and PAOK.
The importance of their first Champions League qualifier is heightened by the impact on their route to league phase football.
Progressing to the Champions League third qualifying round would not only bring them closer to the Champions League proper but would also ensure league phase football in the Europa League.
Teams that lose in the Champions League third qualifying round or play-off round automatically enter the Europa League league phase without needing to navigate further qualifiers.
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