Celtic’s path to the Champions League just got even more interesting, with UEFA set to confirm a key tweak to the knockout format that could significantly impact Brendan Rodgers’ ambitions in Europe. [ESPN]

Starting from next season, sides that progress from the newly structured league phase will see their finishing position directly affect their knockout round fixtures. Specifically, in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the club that finishes top 8 in the league standings will play the second leg of their tie at home – a huge advantage in any European campaign.

That’s a shift from last season’s approach, where the draw beyond the last 16 was made without regard for league phase performance. The move should bring added weight to every match in the league phase, rewarding consistency and making every point vital for clubs like Celtic aiming to punch above their weight.

For the Hoops, it adds an extra layer of urgency to reaching the league phase itself. Rodgers’ men will be seeded in the play-off round, but must still navigate what’s likely to be a massive two-legged tie. Potential opponents at this stage include the likes of FC Basel, Slovan Bratislava, Sturm Graz and Lech Poznan – all sides with enough pedigree to cause problems.

Should Celtic make it through, it would mark a fourth consecutive appearance – an achievement the club has never managed before. With a squad built around experience and pace, including key players like Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, Rodgers will be desperate to make that historic step.

And now, with UEFA’s new rules, finishing strong in the league phase doesn’t just offer financial rewards – it could mean the difference between a daunting away second leg and the comfort of Paradise under the lights.