Coefficient Watch: Rangers Thrive, Celtic Survives, Aberdeen Stumble

This was always going to be a difficult round for the Scottish Clubs in Europe, as all three teams faced high-quality opponents.

In the 3rd qualifying round for their respective European competitions, Champions League for Celtic and Europa League for Rangers and Aberdeen, all three of Scotland’s remaining clubs faced opponents deemed challenging. We got one of each type of result in the first leg, with Rangers romping their way to having the tie all but decided, Celtic earning a tie on the road, and Aberdeen being on life-support.

Rijeka 2 – 0 Aberdeen:

This was the toughest challenge of Scotland’s teams. Quite frankly there is a reason Aberdeen have repeatedly made it this far and fallen short, they simply lack the quality to compete with higher-level teams on the European level. That said, there was hope this year would be different for the Dons and for much of the match it looked like it might be.

The match went to half-time 0-0 and it was the sort of match that Aberdeen was looking to play. Rijeka had the majority of possession and Aberdeen hardly threatened, but Aberdeen’s stout defense was holding quite firm as Rijeka had made little real threat with their possession.

Then in the 62nd minute, Rijeka earned a penalty which was put in by Antonio Colak to break the deadlock. The goal that will truly haunt Aberdeen heading into the second leg will be the one allowed in the 87th minute though, as Robert Muric scored a goal in the final moments of the match to give Rijeka a commanding 2-0 lead.

Aberdeen were, simply put, not in good form. The plus side is that if they play better they can absolutely compete with Rijeka and will have some chance in the second leg. The real problem was allowing the second goal without getting one themselves. As it stands, with the second leg at Pittodrie, if Rijeka score even one goal it is likely to effectively end the tie as it will give them the away-goal advantage. If Rijeka score in the second leg it will require 4 goals from Aberdeen, who is an offensively challenged side on the best of days.

Once again, Aberdeen can take some comfort in that Rijeka didn’t look all that imposing, Aberdeen just played very poorly, so if Aberdeen play up to their potential they will have a chance to pull out a comeback at home. But it is an uphill battle. For the coefficient we should simply hope they manage some result, win or tie, even if they don’t advance, to give the coefficient one last boost before they go.

Celtic 1 – 1 CFR Cluj

All of the scorings came in the first half as Cluj got on the board in the 27th minute with a goal from Venezuelan international Mario Rondon and Celtic answered just 10 minutes later with a goal from James Forrest.

The draw gives at least a small boost to the coefficient, and the 1-1 nature is one that Celtic can’t be too disappointed with. Coming back to Park-Head, Cluj must put a goal in if they want to advance, as a 0-0 draw would put Celtic through with the away goal, if Celtic do concede though they will have serious work to do.

Celtic did look quite solid and, as the home team in the second leg, you’d have to favor them. But there is a lot of work to do for them as what is likely to be a highly tense second leg is on its way.

The good news is that, as far as the coefficient is concerned, even if Celtic drop down to Europa League they will still have plenty of ability to up the coefficient.

Rangers 4 – 2 FC Midtjylland

This is a Rangers blog so you’ve likely watched this match and if you’re reading this you’ve likely read our recap. Rangers rolled to a highly impressive and entertaining victory behind brilliant play from Alfredo Morelos who had a goal and a pair of assists.

The second goal for the Danish club gives them a life-line, they showed enough potency that it is certainly possible for them to put up 3 goals at Ibrox, but the teams looked fairly evenly matched so putting up 3 goals while not allowing any seems unlikely. There is still work to do, but Rangers are firmly in control of the tie.

As far as the coefficient goes, we must hope that Rangers are not content with coasting through the next leg and instead go for the jugular. Rangers could easily lose the second leg and still advance, but getting a second win would be much nicer for everyone.