- UEFA have announced the dates for each of the three European competitions
- Rangers will be in Champions League second qualifying round as it stands
- Champions League qualification crucial for the club with automatic place at stake
Rangers now know the European dates for next season as the schedules for the Champions, Europa and Conference League have been announced.
If as things stand, Rangers finish second, they will enter the Champions League at the second qualifying round.
This means that the Gers will have to face three two-legged ties to enter the group stage.
The draw for the second round is slated for 16/17 June with the first leg on 21/22 July and the second on 28/29 July 2026.
However, with there being a three-horse race to the Scottish Premiership title, it is too early to mark dates in the calendar as Rangers do not know which European route they will take.
The luxury of matches beyond Christmas that only comes with winning the league
However, what the European dates being announced has signified is what is on the line if Rangers miss out on the league title.
The team that wins the Scottish Premiership will enter the Champions League at the play-off round, with the first leg scheduled for 18/19 August and the return tie on 25/26 August.
If all else fails, then the club will enter the Europa League group stage with matches scheduled between 16/17 September and 28 January 2027.
As none of the European spots carry the same luxury, it means that for whoever wins the league not only do they have to avoid six matches to enter the most prestigious European competition but will be safe in the knowledge of further matches, whatever happens.
The direct Champions League route that Rangers could receive thanks to strong coefficient
The European dates are complicated enough with no one knowing what dates to get their passports out without adding the fact that Rangers could receive an automatic bye to the Champions League.
Danny Rohl’s men are in with a shout of receiving an automatic spot if they win the league due to their five-year coefficient.
However, that is on the line due to the prospect of Shakhtar Donetsk progressing to the Conference League final.
So, if Rangers do lift the trophy and enter the group stage, the draw will take place on 27 August with matches occurring from 8/9/10 September to 26/27 January.
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What the announcement does, other than reveal the dates is point out why Champions League qualification is crucial for Rangers.
And it is more than just the financial advantage but the opportunity to resurrect their falling coefficient ranking and allow the club to reestablish themselves amongst football’s elite.
