Celtic Champions League stumble opens vital financial door for Rangers | OneFootball

Celtic’s abysmal home draw with Kairat Almaty in the first leg has opened a door for Rangers at a crucial time. The Parkhead side were expected to put the tie to bed but they slipped badly on their own patch. That result stunned Scottish football and left their Champions League dream hanging by a thread. Rangers fans watched with interest as their rivals made a complete mess of a match they should have won. As Ibrox Noise highlighted, Celtic’s missteps can ripple across the divide and directly impact Rangers.

The financial gap between Rangers and Celtic remains staggering. Right now it sits at around £200M and Celtic’s potential entry into the Champions League threatened to make it even worse. If Celtic got to the league phase, they would have taken the whole pot. That could have pushed the difference to well over £250M and that would have been catastrophic for Rangers. Instead, Celtic faltered and Rangers now have a chance to prevent that devastating shift. Even Ibrox Noise readers recognise the importance of these small turns in fortune.

The problem for Rangers is that they themselves are unlikely to reach the Champions League this season. Russell Martin’s side made a mess of their own qualifier’s first leg and they left fans despairing. However, Celtic’s first leg failure keeps a sliver of hope alive for Rangers in terms of finances. Because while Celtic remain in danger of elimination, Rangers can still focus on other ways to generate money. Supporters recognise how important that £50M target is for this campaign. If Rangers secure that, the gap closes to £150M. That may not sound like success but it absolutely prevents Celtic stretching away even further. The frustration is clear from Ibrox Noise reaction to recent Old Firm displays.

This is why Celtic’s result matters so much to Rangers. It is not just about bragging rights. It is about survival in a financial war where Celtic had been ready to run clear. That Champions League revenue would have created an abyss between the clubs. Rangers must now seize every chance to raise funds. Europe still offers Europa League cash and Rangers must ensure progress there. Domestic success also matters but continental income carries the real weight. The pressure of that divide is reflected in wider coverage, including AP News.

Supporters know the board has failed too often in previous years. Rangers must deliver this time. The gap remains enormous but it is not yet insurmountable. Celtic’s stumble at Parkhead bought Rangers vital breathing space. However, that relief only matters if Rangers take full advantage. The £50M figure is non negotiable this season. Failure to secure it leaves the club stuck while Celtic regroup. Success cuts the gap and keeps Rangers in touch.

Celtic still have the second leg to play but they may have blown their chance already. Celtic’s abysmal home draw with Kairat Almaty gives Rangers one more. Now it is over to the Ibrox side to stop the financial chasm from widening any further. If Rangers achieve that, Celtic’s disastrous first leg will have changed everything.