Where will Rangers start in Europe if they finish third?

Danny Rohl's side could enter Europa League or Conference League qualifying if they finish third <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Danny Rohl's side could enter Europa League or Conference League qualifying if they finish third (Image: PA)
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Rangers look to have had their Scottish Premiership title hopes ended after a 2-1 loss to Hearts.

The Ibrox side now sit seven points off the top with three matches left in the league season.

Rangers are four behind Celtic in second place, ahead of the derby match against their city rivals at Parkhead next weekend.

While the title looks to be out of reach for Rangers, there remain huge permutations on the line for the club with regard to European qualification for next season.

The team finishing first in the Scottish Premiership (currently Hearts) will enter the Champions League play-off round, meaning a two-legged tie to make the league phase. Losing there would see the club drop into the league phase of the Europa League with a guaranteed eight matches in the second-tier UEFA competition.

The team that comes second (currently Celtic) will go into Champions League qualifying round two and have to navigate three qualifying rounds to make the league phase. Losing would see them drop into the Europa League qualifying rounds and then Conference League qualifying.


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However, the team finishing third in the Scottish Premiership (currently Rangers) face the prospect of two possible European routes - hinging on the outcome of the Scottish Cup.

If Celtic win the Scottish Cup, then the team finishing third would go into the third qualifying round of the Europa League. Win that, and they'd advance to the play-off for a spot in the league phase.

A loss in Europa League qualifying would result in dropping into Conference League play-off round. A win they and they'd secure league phase football in the third UEFA competition, a loss and they'd be out of Europe completely.

However, if Dunfermline beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup then they will take the third qualifying spot in Scottish football seeing the third-placed side in the Scottish Premiership dropping a spot in the European picture.

In that eventuality, Rangers (assuming they finish third) would go into Conference League qualifying round two with no safety net if they are knocked out. They'd need to win three ties to make the league phase of the competition.

Rangers European entry point if they finish third

Third & Celtic win Scottish Cup - Europa League third qualifying round

Third & Dunfermline win Scottish Cup - Conference League second qualifying round

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