Celtic handed major advantage by Rangers’ Europa League final defeat

As Celtic fans celebrate their return to form as Premiership champions for the 10th time out of 11 seasons and pair that with the League Cup trophy, their Glasgow opposition might have more difficult times ahead.

It was a remarkable turn around for the Rangers, reaching the Europa League final in Seville. That proved a step too far though as their marquee signing, Aaron Ramsey, ended up missing his spot kick in the penalty shootout to crown Eintracht Frankfurt the champions on the night.

The Ibrox side will have to drag themselves from the heartbreak of losing to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties if they are to beat Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final this weekend and salvage a trophy out of their season. But even that would be mere consolation.

But where and what next for the Rangers? Their league win is behind them and Celtic powered past them this season. It wasn’t just a cup final they lost this week, but a chance to make it to the Champions League as well. Although they do still have an opportunity to get into Europe’s elite competition by going through the qualifiers. On the other hand, Celtic’s spot is booked.

Celtic handed major advantage by Rangers’ Europa League final defeat

The stakes were high for the Ibrox side this season and they have been left in an awkward position. Several of their players have contracts running out at the end of this campaign. Those combined with other possible departures such as that of Joe Aribo or Alfredo Morelos could leave huge gaps to fill in their squad for those all important Champions League qualifying matches.

We’ve seen how Celtic have suffered in the past with thin squads when it comes to Europe. And while the Hoops players will have their first decent summer break in years, whoever is left in the Rangers squad will have little time to get over their Europa League final defeat before they are back in qualifying action.

Thus, it looks like Celtic could have been handed a major advantage ahead of next season, although it would be a mistake to count the Rangers’ chances of Champions League qualification out considering how well they navigated the Europa League knockout phase. But if they do fail to qualify, there could a huge gap in income between the two Glasgow giants.