Celtic have struggled in the Champions League over the past 10 years (Image: GETTY)
Celtic chances of automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage in 2025/26 have been dashed after Scotland fell out of UEFA's top 10 co-efficient rankings.
It comes after the Czech Republic leapfrogged Scotland, thanks to Viktoria Plzen's goalless draw with Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg.
Despite Celtic finishing at the bottom of their Champions League group, they managed to secure some points through a draw with Atletico Madrid and a final day victory over Feyenoord at Celtic Park.
However, Scotland's European hopes were pinned on Rangers, who had an impressive 3-2 away win against Real Betis, topping their Europa League group and securing a place in the last 16.
A 2-2 draw with Benfica in Lisbon gave hope that Scotland would still have representation in European competition to fend off the Czech challenge.
But a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox saw Rangers crash out, leaving them hoping for a favour from Fiorentina against Plzen.
However, the Serie A side was held to a draw away from home, meaning the Old Firm's entry ticket to Europe's elite competition is no longer valid for the season after next.
This also means the loss of the guaranteed prize pot that can significantly boost transfer funds.
Rangers, however, could still automatically secure a spot in the Champions League next season if they win the league and Scotland ranks 11th.
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This is due to their individual club coefficient ranking and the new Champions League format that will be implemented next season.
This scenario hinges on the 2024 Champions League winners qualifying for the following season's competition through their league position, which is a highly probable outcome.
Rangers have had some strong seasons in Europe recently including reaching the Europa League final in 2022 whereas Celtic have largely struggled over the past decade.