Another week in Europe for the SPL

By: Ian Rose | November 26th, 2007

It seems like only yesterday that Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen were playing their respective European matches, and here we are again. Three days in a row of European action for the Scottish Premier League, and three more chances to improve the league’s standing in Europe. Here are the matches:

Stuttgart v. Rangers, Tuesday 19:45
Stuttgart has been one of the most disappointing teams in this year’s Champions League. The defending Bundesliga champions are yet to gain a single point in the group stage after four matches. Their visit to Ibrox ended in a 2-1 defeat, but only a late penalty separated the two sides, and the Germans will see this as their last chance to salvage some dignity in this group. Still, I think Rangers will manage a draw, 1-1.

Celtic v. Shakhtar Donetsk, Wednesday 19:45
Celtic needs three points against the tough Ukrainian side to keep their dreams of advancement realistically alive. A win would keep the Bhoys three points ahead of both Shakhtar and probably 4 or 6 above Benfica, and make their trip to the San Siro a little less important. In the away leg of this tie, Celtic was shocked 2-0, but even without Artur Boruc in goal, I can’t see the same happening at Parkhead. 2-1 win for Celtic.

Atletico Madrid v. Aberdeen, Thursday 19:45
Aberdeen got such a difficult group in the UEFA Cup. They managed a tough 1-1 draw against Locomotiv Moscow on the last match day, but I think as much here would be a lot to ask. They would have come into this match with a lot more confidence if they could have done anything positive against Celtic on the weekend, but they were dismantled. My prediction, sadly, is 2-0 to Madrid.

With the right combination of results, Rangers could possibly qualify for advancement in the Champions League this matchday, so no matter how much I like some of Lyon’s players, I have to root for them to go down to Barcelona. Likewise, a big win for Milan over Benfica would help out with Celtic’s hopes. If Aberdeen can manage any sort of result against Madrid, which would frankly be a shocker to me, they will be a win away from getting themselves through the group stage of the UEFA Cup, which would be a huge accomplishment. Prove me wrong, Dons.