Celtic handed massive boost by UEFA announcement

Celtic took another major step towards the Scottish Premiership title with their 1-1 draw against the Rangers at Parkhead at the weekend. The performance might have left a lot to be desired, especially in the second half, but the result certainly was a positive one for the Hoops. With three more league games to go, they have a 6-point lead and a superior goal difference over Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side as well. Thus, just one more win might be enough to crown them champions.

Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done and it is not time to celebrate, yet. Next they welcome a tough Hearts side, who have made it to the Scottish Cup final and are sitting comfortably at third, to Parkhead. Then Ange Postecoglou’s side will take an away trip to Dundee United before finishing off the season at home against Motherwell.

Winning this title is even more important as it has been confirmed that the Scottish champions will get a direct spot in next season’s Champions League group stage. Russia will have no affiliated clubs participating in UEFA club competitions in the 2022/23 season.

Dale Johnson tweeted out:

Celtic have a great chance to make the Champions League

Making the Champions League would be a huge deal to any Scottish club and getting just 4 points out of the next available 9 would guarantee Celtic’s spot in next season’s competition.

Of course, that does not mean that the Rangers’ path to the competition are closed either, even if they don’t win the Premiership. Van Bronckhorst’s side are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League and would get the chance to make it through the qualifying phase as well.

Of course, the circumstances due to which UEFA have taken this decision are terrible and we can only hope that peace is restored as soon as possible.