Scotland’s big Champions League breakthrough
The winners of the SPFL Premiership title will go straight into the group stage of the Champions League.
It is more than a decade since the Scottish champions haven’t had to negotiate qualifiers with Celtic finding that route particularly troublesome.
With Russia removed from this season’s UEFA competitions there was a question mark over their clubs competing in next season’s tournaments. Tonight UEFA have confirmed that Russian sides won’t be involved with the first draws and qualifiers taking place next month.
Scotland’s allocation for the 2022-23 European season:
Champions: UCL group stage
Runners-up: UCL 2QR
Cup winners or 3rd (has to be Hearts): UEL playoff round
4th: UECL 3QR
5th: UECL 2QR— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) May 2, 2022
With a six point lead and 19 goal advantage for the three main remaining matches Celtic are strong favourites to claim that Champions League place.
Three qualifying rounds occupying six successive midweeks from mid-July has been a tall order to get through but whoever wins this season’s title can plan ahead for September Champions League nights.
The draw for the Champions League will take place on August 25 with the first group matches on September 6/7.