Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish believes that if Rangers had defeated Benfica and advanced farther in the Europa League this year, his former team would have preferred it.
After a close second leg loss at Ibrox, Philippe Clement’s team was eliminated from the competition on Thursday night at the last-16 stage by the Portuguese champions. Scotland’s coefficient status was consequently seriously threatened, and the Czech Republic is now in prime position to take the coveted top-10 slot.
The Scottish champions would drop a spot in the Europa Conference League quarterfinals if Viktoria Plzen defeated Fiorentina, the Italian team, and therefore forfeit their guaranteed spot in the Champions League group stage for the 2025–2026 season.
The legend of the Hoops and Scotland, Dalglish, has outlined why advancement for Rangers in Europe would have suited his former team, with the Premiership title fight predicted to go down to the wire.
Dalglish thinks there should be alarm over the Light Blues’ departure, writing in the Sunday Post. He said: “We are now at a stage of the campaign where there is no room for error.”The fact that Philippe Clement’s team was defeated on Thursday surprised me. I thought they would succeed. But they were just shy of the mark. That loss will leave someone feeling disappointed.
Additionally, I believe Celtic would have preferred the Gers to remain in Europe since it could put a strain on their resources in the upcoming days and weeks. Rangers are aware that they will win the league if they continue to win. Being in this situation is fantastic.”