The team finishing top of the pile is again scheduled to enter the Champions League play-off needing to win that two-legged tie to reach the 36-team league phase. Then there is a scenario whereby a triumphant Rangers avoid the play-off due to something Uefa calls "title-holder rebalancing". Reaching the league phase means eight games among the continent's elite, while losing the play-off carries the safety net of dropping into the Europa League's league phase. Celtic were stunned by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty, losing the play-off on penalties after two dreadful goalless draws. They finished 21st in the Europa League before being beaten in a knockout round play-off by Stuttgart.

Source: BBC April 11, 2026 14:02 UTC