Rangers could secure a major Champions League lift if they are to secure the Scottish Premiership title this season.
After seeing off Aberdeen 4-1 last weekend, Rangers have moved into second in the Premiership, three points behind Hearts.
After successive wins in the league and Celtic losing 2-0 to Dundee United, the Gers are truly in the mix for league glory.
With Hearts and Celtic out of action after the international break due to Scottish Cup action, Rangers will go top with a win over Dundee United.
The Gers won the league last in 2021 in a scintillating, unbeaten season under Steven Gerrard.
However, winning the league this season could have greater implications on the continent rather than domestically.
Full focus is on the SPFL title race, but one eye must be on the Greek Super League, especially Olympiacos.
The UEFA club coefficient table
After Olympiacos qualified for the Champions League playoffs in January, they jumped above Rangers in the UEFA club coefficient table.
Currently, Rangers sit 37th in the table on 59.250 while Olympiacos are 34th on 62.250.
The UEFA club coefficient rankings measure team performance in European competitions (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League) over five seasons.
The best individual coefficient club of all domestic champions in qualifying will qualify automatically for the Champions League.
Due to their low ranking in Europe, Scottish champions usually must go through qualifying to enter the main draw.
However, with the way of the standings, if Rangers finish above Olympiacos, they could automatically qualify.
What needs to happen for Rangers to qualify for Champions League?
Firstly, this season’s Champions League winner must also qualify for the competition in their domestic league, for the automatic entry slot to open up.
This is usually always the case.
Rangers don’t want Olympiacos to win the Greek Super League, while they must win the Scottish Premiership.
The Greek side is two points off AEK Athens as their league splits into a top-four playoff to decide the champion and European football.
The benefit to Rangers over Celtic and Hearts is that they are the only club that can qualify automatically.
If Hearts or Celtic win the league, they will still need to go through the playoff qualification.
The reason is that Scotland has dropped to 17th in the UEFA coefficient table.
So, if Danny Rohl can spur the team to a league victory, Rangers get a £30 million ticket straight into the Champions League group phase.
Read Rangers analysis
Essentially, Rangers must win the league and Olympiacos must not for the Gers to get automatic Champions League football.
It gives extra incentive for Rohl’s men as they face seven more cup finals to secure the Premiership.
The massive obstacle that remains and the primary objective over the next two months is to win the Scottish Premiership.
Do that and the rest can follow.
