Result in Switzerland gives Celtic a Major Champions League Boost

A 4-4 draw today in the Swiss Super League between FC Basel and Lugano has major implications for Celtic. The equaliser for the home side, 4 minutes into stoppage time in an absorbing match was enough to avoid defeat but FC Basel needed the win to keep alive their slim chance of winning the league.

And as a direct consequence that means that Celtic will now be seeded all the way through the Champions League qualifiers which get underway next month.

“Basel can no longer win the Swiss league. That means Celtic will be seeded for all Champions League qualifying draws that we’re involved in,” the informative @Moravcik67 posted on social media, confirming the implications for Celtic from today’s 4-4 draw in the Swiss Super League.

Swiss league leaders Young Boys won against Luzern, to increase their lead on FC Basel – the only team that can prevent Celtic being seeded in the Champions League Qualifiers – to ten points with just two games remaining. Only St Gallen can now catch Young Boys but neither side would be seeded in the Champions League.

The trickiest problem in the earlier rounds – which will be played as one off ties this year, rather than over two legs – will be the ending up with away games. However the final Play-off round will be home and away as usual and Celtic are now guaranteed to be seeded for this, providing we avoid the various banana skins in the earlier rounds.

Also worth reading today on Caught OffsideOpinion: Celtic will keep a keen eye on Morelos fee as a base for eventual Edouard sale

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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