Andy Goldstein of talkSPORT was surprised to learn that neither Rangers nor Celtic had qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League in over a decade.
Celtic did so in 2012-13, while the Gers have not reached that stage since they were eliminated by Villarreal 17 years ago.
Following Celtic’s 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (7 November), Goldstein outlined the events that have occurred since one of the Old Firm advanced past the group stage of UEFA’s elite club competition.
“2012-13 was the last time a Scottish side qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League,” he said live on talkSPORT [8 November], with the broadcaster calling it a “crazy stat” on its official Twitter page.
Success for Europa
Rangers have not had much success in the Champions League, with their most recent participation ending with an unfavorable record of losing all six group games.
As much as fans would like to compete against Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich, there is no shame in admitting that the Europa League is more the Gers’ level.
That was demonstrated just two seasons ago when they advanced to the final in Seville, albeit with heartbreak as Eintracht Frankfurt won.
You don’t have to go back a decade to find the last time a Scottish team made a significant impact on the continent, and the Light Blues appear to be good value to go on a deep run this time around as well.
In order for that to happen, victory must be the goal when Sparta Prague visits Ibrox on Thursday (9 November), in what could be another memorable night under the lights.
