Rangers found themselves on the receiving end of a playful jab from Rod Stewart during a discussion with Ally McCoist about Celtic’s Champions League prospects.
Speaking on talkSPORT (27 November, 9:52am), Stewart remarked that while Celtic are unlikely to win Europe’s elite competition, they would spend their Champions League windfall far more wisely than their city rivals.
McCoist, always ready to defend Rangers, responded with humour, urging Stewart not to get carried away with Celtic’s recent success. However, he admitted his longing to see the Light Blues back in the Champions League.
Stewart quipped:
“We’re never going to win it, but it’s all about the money and the prestige that goes with it – and you know, we spend our money wisely… as opposed to the other team in Glasgow.”
McCoist replied:
“Just calm down Rod, don’t get carried away now – you’ve had a couple of good results, don’t get carried away.”
Stewart countered:
“If the shoe was on the other foot you’d be rubbing it in right now.”
McCoist admitted:
“You’d better believe I would be.”
Rangers’ Champions League Absence
Rangers would undoubtedly love to be in Celtic’s position in the Champions League.
They had the chance to join their Old Firm rivals in Europe’s top competition this season but were eliminated in the play-offs by Dynamo Kyiv, losing 3-1 on aggregate.
Even if they had progressed, Red Bull Salzburg awaited in the final qualifying round—a formidable obstacle to the group stage.
The financial gap between the two Glasgow giants has only widened since Celtic secured their Champions League spot. That disparity is mirrored in their league form, with Celtic leading the Scottish Premiership by 11 points.
Rangers’ financial struggles, highlighted by Scott McDermott (29 October), make closing that gap increasingly difficult.
While stopping Celtic from reaching 55 titles seems a distant hope this season, returning to the Champions League should be Rangers’ top priority moving forward.
It’s not just about prestige but the financial lifeline Europe’s elite competition offers—a lifeline Rangers must chase if they are to remain competitive.
