The recent results in European competitions have put Scotland’s UEFA coefficient ranking in a precarious position.
Rangers’ exit from Europe at the hands of Benfica, following a 3-2 aggregate defeat, has not only ended their continental campaign but also raised concerns over Scotland’s place in the UEFA coefficient rankings.
While Benfica’s victory over Rangers might bring some satisfaction to the Celtic camp, it simultaneously poses a threat to Scotland’s UEFA coefficient, with the Czech Republic nipping at Scotland’s heels.
The situation was further complicated by Thursday night’s outcomes involving Czech teams.
Slavia Prague’s elimination by AC Milan and Sparta Prague’s exit at the hands of Liverpool seemed to offer a glimmer of hope for Scotland’s coefficient.
However, Viktoria Plzen’s advancement in the Conference League via penalties could tip the balance in favour of the Czech Republic, potentially surpassing Scotland in the coefficient rankings.
In the next round, in which the draw is yet to be drawn, Viktoria Plzen needs to lose both matches for Scotland to keep their automatic spot in the Champions League for the 25/26 season. If they win or draw, we can wave bye to the automatic spot. [RecordSport]
