Celtic fans who frequent Twitter or the Kerrydale Street forum will be familiar with the account named Moravcik67. The Celtic fan behind that username prides himself on posting “European co-efficient nonsense, stats and opinion,” whilst he also occasionally creates Celtic videos. His calculations are often very accurate and are testament to his dedication.
Thanks to the insight that Moravcik67 is able to offer, many Celtic fans approach him with queries about co-efficient points and qualification routes to the Champions League. That very thing happened today and the answer was somewhat scary.
Based on current standings we’d play either Sparta Prague, Rapid Vienna or Midtjylland in QR2.
We’ll probably be unseeded for both QR3 and QR4 and need to get by any two of PSV, Besiktas, Lyon, Benfica, CSKA Moscow or Shakhtar Donetsk.
— Moravcik67 (@Moravcik67_) February 22, 2021
As Moravcik67’s response shows, QR2 provides testing opposition. Indeed, the name of Sparta Prague immediately jumps out and brings back recent nightmares. A fully confident Celtic are capable of navigating those type of ties, but then comes the revelation that we would face any two of PSV, Besiktas, Lyon, Benfica, CSKA Moscow or Shaktar Donetsk in QR3 and QR4. Each of those names belong in the Champions League group stages and if Celtic are to make it all the way through, then they would surely have to feel confident of reaching the last 16 of the competition having beaten such illustrious names.
The magnitude of the task awaiting the Hoops appears enormous. Climbing the mountain will require a rebuild and then some.
Based on the opposition and our form champions league qualification is unlikely. What is the situation if we lose in QR 2 or 3? Do we get a go at Europa League?
I read a bit about this last night, and as I understand it we would drop into the UEFA Conference League (the new competition below the Europa League).