Why seismic Celtic win vs RB Leipzig benefits Rangers and how rivals can help each other unlock major prize

Celtic have achieved a major victory - that comes with a boost for Rangers.

The Hoops swept RB Leipzig aside 3-1 on Tuesday night to record their second win of the Champions League season. They sit on seven points after four games in the league phase and are edging closer to progress from the newly-revamped section of UEFA’s top competition.

So how do arch-rivals Rangers benefit from the win? That is because of where Scotland stands on the coefficient ladder after Celtic’s victory. Success on Tuesday adds 0.400 points onto the nation’s tally, moving them into 13th ahead of Greece, Denmark and Switzerland.

The top 15 nations will secure two spots in the 2026/27 Champions League, which comes with huge cash rewards. So Celtic victories like Leipzig edge Rangers closer to a financial bonanza if they can finish in the top two like they have done countless times since the 1980s, the last time a side outside of Glasgow won the Scottish top flight.

Similarly, they can help Celtic out by winning their games in the Europa League, the next of which is on Thursday versus Olympiacos. Hearts can add to the score in the Conference League, hosting Heidenheim this week.

Speaking on the win over Leipzig, Celtic captain Callum McGregor said to club media: “It was excellent and I’m super proud of the team and the way they handled the game.

“We started ever so well in the game and then we got a little punch on the nose with the goal, and that sort of rocked us for five minutes.

“But, I said to the players at half time about the massive character to be able to turn the game back around and go in 2-1, which was thoroughly deserved in terms of performance, and we showed great character to regain control of the game.