7 Champions League upgrades as Celtic and Rangers set to prosper from European Super League frightener

The Champions League is about to undergo a makeover.

Huge changes in the top level European competition have been rubber stamped that will leave the group stage format unrecognisable and spell over 100 extra matches.

That's a lot to take in and it will test Glasgow's big two to the limit.

But come through the challenge and the riches are unparalleled.

There are parts of the new changes, effective from the 2024-25 season, that some might not like. A massive 36-team league, for example, might not be everyone's cup of tea.

But for the likes of Parkhead chief Michael Nicholson and Gers Managing Director Stewart Robertson it presents a huge opportunity.

And that trickle down effect will be felt for clubs in the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.

Here's what we can expect.

To take advantage of the new format, qualification is required.

The good thing is that means more routes to qualification in Scotland. With the Champions League proper being expanded to 36 teams from 32 any extra room for Celtic or Rangers is to be gratefully accepted. One of those places goes to third place in the country ranked fifth in the coefficients - currently France. It's unlikely that spot will be bothered by Scotland in the foreseeable future.

But another spot is afforded to a domestic champion as the 'Champions Path' is expanded from four teams to five, more chances to prosper, that's for sure.

Then there is a new backdoor method of qualifying which two teams will take advantage of. It goes to the two clubs with the highest club coefficients that have not qualified automatically for the Champions League but have qualified either for the qualifying stage or either Europa competition. Right now, Rangers are in a good place to