Celtic have received a timely lift ahead of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign, with confirmation they’re now in line to be seeded in the Play-off Round thanks to a late twist in the Croatian title race.
Rijeka clinched the title on the final day, edging out Dinamo despite their own victory, and in doing so, shifted the continental qualifying picture in Celtic’s favour.
For the Scottish champions, this means a major hurdle has been removed in their quest for a smoother passage into the group stages. Dinamo had been one of the key threats to Celtic’s seeding status, boasting a higher coefficient and regular European experience.
With Dinamo no longer expected to feature in the Champions League qualifiers, Celtic move up the seeding ladder for the Play-off Round. It’s a development that could play a crucial role in determining the quality of opposition Brendan Rodgers’ side face in what’s always a nervy route to Europe’s top table.
They’ll avoid the likes of Bodø/Glimt, Copenhagen and Red Star Belgrade
The club has been monitoring league outcomes across the continent in recent weeks, with several moving parts still to be settled. But this news from Croatia stands out as one of the most significant breaks yet.
While the final list of qualifiers and seedings is still being shaped, the outlook for Celtic is undoubtedly brighter. Avoiding an early clash with a dangerous unseeded outfit now looks far more likely.
It’s another small but meaningful step toward the Champions League, and one that fans will welcome as pre-season planning begins to take shape.
